Ronald “Ron” Thomas Graves, 79 of Keysville, Virginia died September 18, 2021 in the arms of the Lord at Lynchburg Hospital.  Born in Alexandria, Virginia on April 7, 1942 to Thomas and Marie (Brown) Graves.  He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife Patricia “Patt” Ann (Nuckols) the love of his life.  He is survived by his devoted daughter Hope Lynne Graves of Brookneal, Virginia and two very special cousins Charlotte Brown and Bonnie Wilkins of Alexandria, Virginia.  Ron believed in a life of service to others; as a teenager, he was a volunteer firefigher until he was old enough to join the Alexandria Police Department where he served with distinction for 37 years in various positions which included Criminal Investigations (CID), the Tactical Unit and Special Operations. Ron held the distinction of having formed and commanded the City’s first Special Operations Team (SWAT). Upon retiring as a sworn officer, he served as the Range Manager for Alexandria and then Prince William Police Departments.   He was a proud and active member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and served as the Commander of the Charlotte Grays.  Following in his Father’s footsteps he was also pleased to be a Scottish Rite Freemason.  Ron had also been active in the Ruritan National Club prior to moving to Keysville.   Ron was very proud of his family history and his deep Virginia roots.  He had a strong love of the land, horses, and being outdoors which, he passed onto his daughter.

He will be buried next to his wife on September 22, 2021 at 3:00 pm at Cool Springs Christian Church Cemetery in Keysville, Virginia.

 

Condolence Messages

  1. Sue Snead

    20 September 2021 3 years ago

    Our sincere sympathy is extended to Hope. Your father will be greatly missed by the people who knew him.
    We knew him through his work with the SCV and UDC and we have lost a very dear friend. Sue Snead

  2. Curtis and Joyce Eaby

    20 September 2021 3 years ago

    RIP, Friend. We had some good times serving together and Joyce and I knew from our visits how tough the last few years have been. We know that you are now with Pat and God. Hope to catch you later.

  3. Joe Seiffert, Retired, Alex., P.D.

    20 September 2021 3 years ago

    Ron and I worked together in the Alexandria Police Department from 1975 through 1977 in the Patrol Division’s 4th Platoon and the Special Operations Section where he headed up the Tactical Unit. He was a policeman’s policeman – always willing to assist others and very fair. We also lived a stone’s throw apart on Aden Road in rural Nokesville, in Prince William County where he and Patt (and Hope) had quarter horses horses on their farm. Ron was also a member of our Nokesville Ruritan Club where he was given the nickname of “Digger” Graves. Later ,he and Patt were seen around Southside Virginia at various historical events and the Wreaths Across America celebration in Lynchburg. Rest in peace, my friend.

  4. Julie A Bove

    21 September 2021 3 years ago

    Hope,

    Just a note to let you know we are sorry about the passing of your Dad. We have many good memories of time shared by all of us. I know how proud he was to be a policeman and the other interest in his life. He is now where he would want to be, with your Mom.
    Sending love and prayers to you.
    Ron and Julie Bove

  5. Jim Bird

    21 September 2021 3 years ago

    Ron represented all the best in Law Enforcement and he makes us all proud. RIP brother.

  6. Don Scott

    21 September 2021 3 years ago

    God must have needed more guardian angels because that was Ron on Earth. He was a great friend, mentor, and supervisor. He loved public service. He truly loved being a police officer everyday never complaining. He is a cornerstone in the development of SWAT in Alexandria and in the Metro DC area. He was a huge influence on many through his example, instruction, and supervision. See you on the other side brother. You will be missed.

  7. Dave Stump

    21 September 2021 3 years ago

    A Life Well Spent. So Sorry Hope.

  8. M.K. Bryant

    21 September 2021 3 years ago

    So sorry for your loss. Ron was a good friend and an inspiration to everyone he came in contact with. He always had a smile on his face and a slow “country” talk. He will be missed, RIP my brother LEO and Mason.

  9. Jim Cochrane

    21 September 2021 3 years ago

    On behalf of the members of the Knibb’s Battery artillery “living history” organization and the J. E. B. Stuart Camp #1343 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, our most heartfelt condolences do out to Ron’s family. He will sorely missed by us.

  10. Tom Overman

    21 September 2021 3 years ago

    Hope, I am so sorry for your loss. As a long time member of Arlington County’ SWAT team I’ve known Ron for many years. Then after we both retired we got to work together at the range at PWCPD. Great times.
    I am also honored that you invited me to Ron and Pat’s 70th/50th celebration. The last time I saw him….RIP Brother.

  11. Vege

    22 September 2021 3 years ago

    Hope, so sorry to hear the passing of your father. Prayers.

    Vege Pack

  12. Donna L Fore

    22 September 2021 3 years ago

    Hope and family, so sorry to hear that Ron has passed away. I enjoyed the talks I had with him, especially about our local history. He was a friend to many and had a long life of community service. May God’s love and memories sustain you as you mourn his departure. Love and hugs!

  13. Robert & Jodi Startup

    23 September 2021 3 years ago

    A great servant who impacted the lives of so many people in positive ways has ascended to heaven. May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. Our most sincere condolences. xoxo
    Robert & Jodi Startup

  14. Yvonne Coantser

    23 September 2021 3 years ago

    We are so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. We send our deepest sympathies and love. We have spoken often of Ron and Patt and always with fun and wonderful memories. Love to you all, Yvonne, Bernie and Bryan Conatser and Robert Powell

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