Richard Elmer Graves, Jr., 75, of Naples, Florida, formerly of Glens Falls, New York, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at the home of his sister, Dawn Russell.  Richard was born on May 16, 1950, he was the son of the late Richard E. Graves, Sr, and the late Marie (Thompson) Graves.

Richard had many professions, he was a lineman, a charter captain on Lake George and soon moved to Florida in February of 1993 where he made and installed custom cabinetry.  After retiring, he moved onto several security jobs, the last one being at Kaiser University.  He was also a Veteran of the US Air Force, serving 7 years as a jet mechanic in Japan, Korea, Philippines and Vietnam, wherever a jet needed fixing he gladly went.

Fishing, hunting and camping were his favorite pass times.  Spending time with friends was always important to him.  He had many good friends and loved to party.  He always said, "surround yourself with good people" and he did.

Besides his parents, he is also predeceased by his sister, Linda Ouellette, brother in law, John Patterson and grandson, Jeremy Graves.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Cathy (Martindale); his children, Christina Greenwood (John), and their children Joseph, Justin and Jennifer, all of Whitehall.  Richard E. Graves III (Bonnie) and their child Victoria of Lake George; his step children Amy Barton (John Boustead) their children Lillian and Andrew of Conneaut, Ohio, Nikki Pearson, her children, Mason, Kylie and Gavin of Naples, Florida.  One sister, Dawn Patterson Russell of Lehigh Acres, Florida, her children, Paul Patterson (Kim) of South Glens Falls, James Patterson (Melissa) of Hudson Falls, Jolynn Spirowski (Michael) of Fort Ann.  Brother in law, Kim Ouellette of Port Charlotte, Florida.  Nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren all of New York.

His greatest joy in life was Kylie and Gavin, who he and Cathy raised.  Teaching them and watching them grow into young adults was the most important thing to him.  There were his life and a great accomplishment.

Burial will be in Stoney Creek, NY, Dean Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with his parents on Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11:00am.