Carl Alexander Gravell

Carl Alexander, a life-long San Antonian and proud South Sider, was born to Carl and Catherine Powe Gravell on August 17, 1949. Carl was a 1967 alumnus of McCollum High School; there, he was the Cowboy’s first baseman and earned his reputation as a fearsome left-handed batter. He married the love of his life, Anna Lee Ashley, on June 20, 1969 at Harlandale Baptist Church. Together, they traveled to each of his duty stations as he served in the US Coast Guard, first at Sturgeon Bay, WI, then Governor’s Island, NY, and finally USCG Air Station New Orleans. Later, Carl graduated from San Antonio College, where he studied business, and in 1978 he established the Carl Gravell Insurance Agency. For 47 years, he dependably served his clients, many of whom became dear friends. Carl loved music; he enjoyed creating playlists that showcased his broad and eclectic tastes, passing his diverse love of music on to his children and grandchildren. Carl loved baseball; he was an avid recreational ballplayer who also coached T-ball and Little League Baseball teams, and of course, he had been a Houston Astros fan since the Colt .45s. Carl loved dogs; he never met a dog he didn’t love — or who didn’t love him right back. And most of all, Carl loved and was proud of his family.

Preceding him in death are Carl’s parents, Carl Gravell and Catherine Powe Gravell, and his sister, Patricia Louise Hess.

Carl is survived by his wife of 56 years, Anna Lee Ashley Gravell; his daughter, Stephanie Gravell Williams (Michael); his son, Christopher Gravell (Michelle Jaris); his grandsons, Ethan Williams and Jude Williams; and his granddaughter, Sienna Jaris. Carl was a beloved uncle to many nieces, great-nieces, nephews and great-nephews. Carl maintained numerous life-long friendships, and will be greatly missed by his boyhood friends. Carl also leaves behind his adored animal companions, Millie and Harry.

Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00pm on December 3, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home.

Funeral services will begin at 1:00pm on December 4, 2025 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Pastor Paul Evans, of Oak Island Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

The Gravell and Williams families wish to extend their love and sincere appreciation to Heart to Heart Hospice of San Marcos, particularly to Joe Ann Ariyo and her team of caregivers.