Obituary of Robert Julian Graves

Robert J. Graves, Sr. who is now at rest in the hands of the Lord was born in Adamsville, FL. on April 14, 1928. He is survived by his wife Sylvia, two sons: Robert, Jr. (Marcey) and Richard (Lori) and daughter Susan (Rich). He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Robert, III, David (Carrie), Candice, Richard, Jr., Melody, Tyler and Patrick; one brother-in-law: Dan Suggs (Rhonda) and many nieces and nephews. He joined the Navy as a young man and was stationed on the USS Coral Sea. As a Mason, a Shriner and a member of the Flying Fezzes, he helped arrange transport for burn victims and others in need of medical care. He was a Captain of the Gibsonton Volunteer Fire Department and was in the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary. Robert was a natural at raising tropical fish. He proudly owned Robert Graves Tropical Fish Farm, one of the largest tropical fish businesses in Florida, for 35 years. His ecologically-minded farming methodologies helped to shape Aquaculture legislation in Florida. He gladly taught others how to save their farms during winter freezes and often would kindly share his crops to replenish his friend's farms that lost their livelihood to the cold. A man of the soil, his annual vegetable gardens happily fed family and friends alike. He shared the farmer's table at the Coffee Cup restaurant each morning where tall tales and local news was part of the eggs and grits breakfast with Friday white bacon as his special treat. Robert was known by all his friends and family as an avid hunter and fisherman. He tended to his butterfly gardens daily and cared for his pet squirrels, Missy and Little Bit, as well as the resident blue jays. His love for nature and the outdoors extended to his kindness for others. He was generous with everyone he met and took great pleasure in helping those around him. He used his charismatic personality for encouragement and counsel and could entertain crowds with stories of successful hunting adventures and humorous fishing anecdotes. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a faithful friend. He never met a stranger. His heart was as big as his smile. The family would like to offer a special note of thanks to the staff of First Baptist Church of Ruskin for all of the kindness they have shown over the years. A funeral service will be held 11 AM Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at Sun City Center Funeral Home, Sun City Center, FL,visitation one hour prior to service.