Curtis McVay Graf Sr., M.D.

Born on March 8, 1944, in Mobile, Alabama, Dr. Graf was a lifelong resident who dedicated his life to healing, family, and community. He graduated from McGill Institute (now McGill-Toolen Catholic High School) in the Class of 1962. He attended Tulane University before earning his Doctor of Medicine from Tulane University School of Medicine in 1969.

Dr. Graf completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Mobile General Hospital from 1969 to 1972, followed by a neurology residency at Louisiana State University (LSU) Medical School from 1972 to 1975.

Returning to Mobile, he established a distinguished career in neurology through his private practice at the Neurology Center, P.C., while serving on the medical staff of Mobile Infirmary, Springhill Hospital, Providence Hospital, and Knollwood Hospital. He was elected President of the Mobile Infirmary Physicians Medical Staff in 2000 and contributed significantly to the hospital's Ethics Committee.

A member of the American Academy of Neurology and the Mobile County Medical Society, Dr. Graf was admired for his compassion, integrity, and commitment to patient care over more than three decades of practice. He retired in 2007, allowing him cherished time with his growing family.

Throughout his life, Dr. Graf found joy in his insatiable curiosity and quest for knowledge. Part of that quest was as a spiritual seeker, continually exploring deeper meaning in life and inner peace. In his later years, he embraced the role of a spiritual teacher and guide, offering gentle wisdom and support to friends and family. He was a kind, honest, and respectful man who aspired to look beyond people's defenses to see only the good in them—this vision of inherent goodness became his enduring legacy. His lifelong goal was to remain peaceful and present, a commitment he upheld even to the very end.

He also shared in the love of the game of golf over many years with a close circle of golf buddies who adored him, enjoying the camaraderie, the courses, and the simple joy of time spent together on the fairways.

He is survived by his three loving children: Dr. Curtis McVay Graf Jr. (wife Paige) of Mobile, Suzette Graf Ortega (fiancé Wint Smith), and Ginger Graf Dunaway (husband Mark); his siblings: Sister Marilyn Graf; Emil Thomas Graf III; and Leonna Dianne Graf; his longtime friend: Carole Fransen Graf; his eleven cherished grandchildren: Curtis McVay Graf III, Anna Hayes Graf, Helen Pearce Graf, Danner McIntosh Graf, Robin Stephens Graf, Ann Louise Ortega, Olivia Jane Ortega, Frances Graf Ortega, Stella Rowen Dunaway, David Remy Graf, and Mia Lisette Dunaway—who lovingly called him Pops; countless friends, extended family and his beloved kitty Tabby.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil Thomas Graf and Helen Constantine Graf; his brother, George Edmund Graf; his sister, Marilynn Graf Sullivan; and his beloved kitty Sweet Pea.

He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose wisdom, kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering love touched countless lives. His legacy endures through the patients he helped, the family he nurtured, the spiritual guidance he shared, the friendships he cherished on and off the golf course, and the values he instilled.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Church in Springhill, Mobile, Alabama, with visitation and reception following in the church reception hall.

The family suggests memorials to St. Ignatius Church, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Krewe de Rescue Animal Rescue Group.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the endless support of family and friends over the last several months. Dr. Graf will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his gentle spirit, unwavering positivity, encouraging nature, and the peaceful presence he cultivated and shared.