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Thomas Byron Graves, age 79, of San Leandro, California passed away on February 23, 2026, after a brief illness. He was born on March 22, 1946, to Labon Ishmael Graves and Dorothy Jeanne McGinnis in Troy, Alabama.

Thom attended Edwin Denby High School in Detroit, Michigan. He served in The United States Navy during the Vietnam war and later he received an Associate's Degree. He moved to California after his service and married his beloved wife Ann on October 24, 1976. Thom served in production management in food service, trucks and supply chain services provider. He worked at Mother's Cookies for over 20 years.

During his younger days before some injuries overtook him, he loved to run and participated in different marathons. Afterwards he walked his beloved dogs, especially Jack and most recently Molly and Ernie. Thom had many neighborhood families with pets who would come by just to say 'Hello.'

Thom is survived by his wife, Ann Graves from San Leandro, California, brothers David Graves of Flat Rock, Michigan and Bill (Mary) Johnson of Troy, Michigan; also sisters Susan (Bill) Alexander of Macomb, Michigan, Joyce (Neil) Bachman of Kendallville, Indiana, Patricia Dillon of Naples, Florida, Mary Mazzola of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, and Robin Steward of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He also had many nieces and nephews: Christopher Graves, Michael Bielski, Tracy Minyard, Jason Bielski, Alex Alexander, Jennifer Dombrowski, Evan Johnson, Lauren Bruley and Julie Winningham, as well as great-nieces and nephews: Christopher, Sara, Emily, Hannah, Asher, Betsy, Elijah, Malachi (Kai), Will, Susana, Kris Jr., Max, Jackson, Millicent and Rosemary.

Thom was predeceased by his parents.

There will be no memorial service, but Thom will be interred at Fernwood Cemetery in Mill Valley, California. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice, or to: Hayward Friends of Animals, P.O. Box 3986, Hayward, CA 94540.

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