Richard "Dick" Weikel Graves
February 7, 1929 ~ March 20, 2018
Mr. Richard "Dick" Weikel Graves, born on February 7, 1929 in Salem, Virginia, to the late Talmah Weikel Graves and the late Rev. Turner Ashby Graves, passed away at age 89 on March 20, 2018 in Burke, Virginia. Richard graduated from Bridgewater College in 1956 and University of North Carolina graduate school in 1958. Richard served in the Navy from 1950 to 1954 and he also worked as an athletic director at Langley High School until he retired in 1987. Richard was the beloved husband of Joey Osbourne Graves. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Turner and Preston Graves. Richard is survived by his daughters, Allison Graves Wilson (Walter), Jeneen Graves Moore (Jim), and Susan Page Graves; sister, Betty Lynn Yowell; and grandchildren, Jordan and Katelyn Moore, and Colton Miller. He had a passion for golf, bowling, swimming and helping others. He spent many years volunteering at Algonkian and Oak Marr recreational facilities as a course marshal and therapeutic swimming instructor. He also volunteered at the Lamb Center, the National Lutheran Home, and Dulles Airport Traveler's Aid. He was a long-time member of Christ Lutheran Church, the American Legion Post 180, the Elks Lodge 2188 and Northern Virginia Athletic Directors Administrators and Coaches Association (NVADACA). Friends and family members are invited to the Celebration of Life service, officiated by Pastor Paul Collinson-Streng, on Tuesday, March 27 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3810 Meredith Drive, Fairfax, Virginia, 22030. Internment of ashes is planned for a later date at Hebron Lutheran Church in Madison, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard's name to the Lamb Center (PO Box 1385, Fairfax, VA 22038), NVADACA (PO Box 305, Burke, VA 22009), or Christ Lutheran Church are welcome and appreciated. Online condolences and fond memories of Richard may be offered to the family at www.moneyandking.com
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I can only imagine having the amount of courage Dick showed by leading his star track athlete, Preston Blackwell, to the 1961 Virginia State High School Championships. Many of the southern schools refused to compete with Preston because of the color of his skin. Dick and Preston returned to the 1962 championships where Preston won the State Title in the Long Jump with all of the schools competing. Not many can claim to have a hand in breaking down barriers. Dick’s leadership was never of the boisterous variety but his impact was immense. A great man who quietly lived a life of great accomplishment. Cheers to Dick!
Bill, I read your message to my mother and grandmother. Words cannot express how much we appreciate your kind words. Thank you, Katelyn
Dear Graves Family,
I saw the obituary in The Post today and wanted to reach out to share the many happy memories I have of time spent with all of you at Bethany Beach. May your memories comfort you.
With love and sympathy,
Susan Fowler
Susan, my grandmother and family send our love and thanks! -Katelyn
Hey Susan, how the heck are you? Thank you for your kind words. Hope to see you at Bethaney Beach soon. Allison Graves
Dear Graves family: Dick taught me beginner swimming at the Freedom Park pool in 1962. He then was my gym teacher for at least one year at Langley, where I graduated from in 1971. I graduated from Bridgewater College in 1975. I went back to Bridgewater when they dedicated a bust for their legendary track coach, Harry GM Jopson, and guess who I was sitting next to at the ceremony?? Richard Graves. I recognized him and we had a good talk about swimming and Langley. Great teacher and terrific man. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Bill Dillon- Jefferson, MD
Bill, Thank you so much for sharing your memories of dad. Your kind words are so meaningful to our family. Jeneen Graves Moore