Googie Graves was born in Tampa, FL, and spent his entire life in the southeastern parts of Hillsborough County. He attended school in Gardenville, graduated from Wimauma High School, and also attended The University of Tampa. He Joined the Army and was honorably discharged in 1960. He served as a Postman directly out of the Army. As a tropical fish farmer for the majority of his life, he received numerous awards from the Florida Tropical Fish Farmers Association for new varieties of fish that he had developed and are still in production today.
He was a member of Desoto Lodge #105 as a 32nd degree Master Mason, a Scottish Rite Mason and a York Rite Mason. He enjoyed being a member of the Sun City Christian Center in Wimauma. He was a teller of tall tales and was known for his swamp cabbage. He loved to cook, pull pranks, hunt, fish, as well as “just be in the woods”. He was the self-anointed Mayor of Wimauma, driver of the Welcome Wagon, Chief of Police, head undertaker, lead dog catcher, and any other title he could claim, all at the same time. He didn’t mind telling you, just ask him. He is preceded in death by his father, Dan Graves; mother Lillian (Spike) Graves; brothers - George, Robert and Ray. He was married twice, first to Alberta Rimes (deceased), and then Grace Graves (deceased). He is survived by his six children; Jeff Arbisi, Ron Arbisi (Patricia), Steve Graves (Michele), Margaret Graves, Glenda Booker (Matthew) and Daniel Graves, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and MANY, MANY friends. He never met a stranger.
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