Colonel David Graves

David was an attorney with Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys and graduated from Mountain Brook High School in 1994 and the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1998. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Cumberland School of Law in 2010.

After graduating from West Point, David served in the United States Army for five years. During this time, he attended the Armor Officer Basic Course and the Scout Platoon Leader’s Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky. His first Armor assignment was with 3rd Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Polk, Louisiana. In 2006, David entered the United States Army Reserve and trained at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, before deployment to Tikrit, Iraq. He is a graduate of the Advanced Joint Professional Military Education Course, and his many awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Iraq Campaign Medal.

In June 2002, David married the love of his life, Mary Frances. He was a devoted husband and a loving father to their three children, Julia, Jefferson Tabor (JT), and Elene. He loved to hunt and fish with his son, JT, and enjoyed taking his daughters to daddy daughter dances. He was his children’s number one fan, cheering for Julia and JT in their track meets and Elene in her soccer competitions. He was an Assistant Scoutmaster and Merit Badge Counselor with Boy Scout Troop 320, participating in numerous hikes and campouts. Most recently, David guided Troop 320 through the Infantry Museum at Ft. Hal Moore in Columbus, Georgia. As a West Point graduate, Iraq war veteran, and a Colonel in the U. S. Army, David led them through the Museum and explained what it meant to be a soldier and a patriot, which is something the members of Troop 320 will never forget.

David was proud of his Greek heritage and the tight knit community of his extended family, all of whom adored David and admired his integrity, character, and remarkable accomplishments. David had a warm presence and was friendly to everyone. He was always modest and humble, despite his accomplished leadership skills. He had a kind heart and was always ready to lend a helping hand.

David is survived by his wife of 21 years, Mary Frances McDuff Graves; his daughters, Julia Frances Graves and Elene Faye Graves; his son, JT Graves; his mother, Renee Triantos Graves, and father, William Jefferson Graves; his mother- and father-in-law, Annette and Fred McDuff; his sister and brother-in-law, Elene and Wes Garrison; his brother and sister-in-law, Katie and Chris Graves; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his four grandparents, Emalee and Jack Graves, and Elsie and Arthur Triantos.

On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, we invite all to celebrate the life of David Graves. Mountain Brook Community Church host a visitation from 10 am to 12 noon with service to immediately follow. The celebration of life is available for live stream www.mbcc.us .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Graves family.