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Rev. Dr. Franklin Roosevelt Graves Sr.
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Franklin Graves Obituary
The Rev. Dr. Franklin Roosevelt Graves Sr., 78 years old, of Baltimore, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 at his home in Yulee, Florida.
Born on Feb. 15, 1947, in Baltimore, to the late Roosevelt Graves and Emma (Jackson) Graves, he grew up in the Turner Station neighborhood of Baltimore and graduated from Sollers Point Junior/Senior High School in 1965. He married Cynthia Lynn Carrington in 1969. He graduated from Morgan State with an associate degree, from University of Maryland with a bachelor's degree, from Nova University with master's degree and from Century University with a doctorate degree in criminal justice and public administration.
He had worked in law enforcement first for the Baltimore Police Department and then for the U.S. Treasury Department in various federal departments and agencies.
The couple was married for 55 years and had two children whom they raised to lead successful lives and pursue their goals.
He is remembered for being a loving father that was generous, witty and dedicated to his family, work and passions. He was well accomplished in sports such as basketball, tennis and golf. He was an accomplished musician and artist. He was also a Hall of Fame Master of martial arts.
He finished his life journey answering the call to be a Baptist pastor on St. Simons Island, leading domestic and international ministries.
He is predeceased by his parents and three sisters, Rosabell Lewis, Betty Jordan and the Rev. Barbara McFarland. He leaves behind his wife and two children, Franklin Graves Jr. (Anderlyn) and Tina Edwards (Lonnie); three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He also leaves two siblings, the Rev. Johnnie Graves (Dorothy) and Ida Owens (John).
Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at Oxley Heard Funeral Home in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
The home-going service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 2700 Demere Road, on St. Simons Island.
He will be laid to rest at Green Pine Cemetery in Yulee.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Family-placed obituary
The Brunswick News, October 21, 2025
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Franklin Graves
Funeral services provided by:
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors1305 Atlantic Ave P.O. Box 693, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035
Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors.
6 Entries
Dave McKinley
October 22, 2025
Always remember all the chats we had. Smooth basketball player
Joe D./Millie McDade Woods
October 21, 2025
Reverend Dr. Franklin Graves was a sincere, accomplished, and dedicated gentleman. We met as members of St. Paul Baptist Church, St. Simons Island, Ga. His primary goal was to empower and educate members spiritually and all who attended church and beyond. Joe and I will honor and cherish his legacy and memory. Dr. Joe and Millie McDade Woods
Deacon Ed Council
October 21, 2025
with Deepest Sympothy from Deacon Ed Council and Family May you know the warmth of the thaughts that are with you and the peace of the Prayers that surround you, now and in the days to come.
Bob Burnett
October 21, 2025
Although I didn´t know Frank well, what I did know is that he was a great guy and well respected by other staff at. FLETC. It always seemed very calm and very easy to get along with. Rest in peace my friend.
Martha Heath Johnson
October 21, 2025
Prayers and condolences to family, friends, and to all others whose lives he touched.
Mary Elie Pearo
October 21, 2025
I worked with Frank for many years - He was a good mentor! His one saying that stuck with me was THINGS ARE DIFFICULT NOT HARD - He would tap his desk and say THIS IS HARD. I was just by his church on Demere this morning and was thinking about him. Prayers for his family.
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