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Whitley “Whit” Robert Graves, 69, of Bossier City, La., passed away peacefully at home with his family on September 14, 2024.
Whit was a stranger to no one and always replied “wonderful” when asked about his day. His family and closest friends remember him as jovial, boisterous, giving, and an unmistakable presence in any room. A public servant at heart, Whit worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him.
Whit enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life: hunting in Colorado with close friends, maintaining one of the best lawns in the neighborhood, woodworking, playing pool at Bilbo’s, making others laugh at parties and gatherings, attending NASCAR races, camping, boating, telling family stories, traveling the world, and making new friends.
Whit was born in Shreveport, La., on October 29, 1954, to Bonnie Dell and Kenneth Graves Sr. (both deceased). His mother went into labor near the Louisiana Fairgrounds and walked to Willis-Knighton Hospital to give birth on a hot October day—a fitting precursor to the adventurous and fascinating life he would lead.
In his early years, Whit helped care for his “Grandmother Mommie,” Lena Whitley (deceased). He often shared stories about his close relationship with her and his grandfather, H.H. Whitley (deceased). As a child, Whit frequently hopped on the back of the T&P Railroad train to visit his grandparents in Waskom, Texas, a feat made easy as he knew all the conductors and crew members.
As a teenager, Whit worked at the old Ellis Grant Esso Station rebuilding engines to earn extra money and buy his first car so he could confidently take girls from school on dates. He simultaneously attended Airline High School and LSUS while helping support his brother, Kenneth Jr. (deceased), as he progressed through dental school.
At 19, Whit became the youngest-ever Louisiana State Trooper, serving 11 years with the State Police, including four years as a Criminal Investigator working undercover and two years with the Federal Drug Enforcement Task Force. Whit shared many colorful stories about his time with heroic (and sometimes rowdy) friends and colleagues. His favorite duty as a police officer was checking and replacing brake lights for motorists on slower days.
After his service with the State Police, Whit put himself through law school at LSU in Baton Rouge. Upon graduating, he was hired by then-District Attorney Henry Brown and served as a prosecuting attorney in Bossier and Webster parishes for 12 years. In 2001, Whit left the DA’s office to open his own private practice, focusing on criminal defense for DWI cases. He quickly earned a reputation as one of the toughest defense attorneys in northwest Louisiana.
While Whit was celebrated for his careers in law enforcement and law, his most cherished role was that of husband and father. Whit, his wife, Robin Rue, son Michael Graves, and stepson Garrett Jones made countless memories traveling the world together, visiting more than 10 countries and 48 states in just 10 years. Whit was also a natural teacher, always cheering for or coaching others in the activities that made them happy.
Throughout his life, Whit maintained friendships and built a vast chosen family through various fraternities, social groups, and religious organizations, including DeMolay, El Karubah Shriners, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Royal Order of Jesters, Krewe of Justinian, and several Christian Methodist Episcopal and United Methodist churches.
In death, Whit’s friends and family will miss his wise guidance on the back porch, his uplifting spirit in the “bar,” and his friendly smile everywhere he went.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to friends, staff at Willis-Knighton, and staff at Lifepath Hospice for their exceptional care at the end of Whit’s life. A private ceremony will be held at the family cemetery in Noble, La., to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital Shreveport (his most beloved charity), that someone be made to smile, or that you simply have a “wonderful” day in Whit’s memory.
Whit was a stranger to no one and always replied “wonderful” when asked about his day. His family and closest friends remember him as jovial, boisterous, giving, and an unmistakable presence in any room. A public servant at heart, Whit worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those around him.
Whit enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life: hunting in Colorado with close friends, maintaining one of the best lawns in the neighborhood, woodworking, playing pool at Bilbo’s, making others laugh at parties and gatherings, attending NASCAR races, camping, boating, telling family stories, traveling the world, and making new friends.
Whit was born in Shreveport, La., on October 29, 1954, to Bonnie Dell and Kenneth Graves Sr. (both deceased). His mother went into labor near the Louisiana Fairgrounds and walked to Willis-Knighton Hospital to give birth on a hot October day—a fitting precursor to the adventurous and fascinating life he would lead.
In his early years, Whit helped care for his “Grandmother Mommie,” Lena Whitley (deceased). He often shared stories about his close relationship with her and his grandfather, H.H. Whitley (deceased). As a child, Whit frequently hopped on the back of the T&P Railroad train to visit his grandparents in Waskom, Texas, a feat made easy as he knew all the conductors and crew members.
As a teenager, Whit worked at the old Ellis Grant Esso Station rebuilding engines to earn extra money and buy his first car so he could confidently take girls from school on dates. He simultaneously attended Airline High School and LSUS while helping support his brother, Kenneth Jr. (deceased), as he progressed through dental school.
At 19, Whit became the youngest-ever Louisiana State Trooper, serving 11 years with the State Police, including four years as a Criminal Investigator working undercover and two years with the Federal Drug Enforcement Task Force. Whit shared many colorful stories about his time with heroic (and sometimes rowdy) friends and colleagues. His favorite duty as a police officer was checking and replacing brake lights for motorists on slower days.
After his service with the State Police, Whit put himself through law school at LSU in Baton Rouge. Upon graduating, he was hired by then-District Attorney Henry Brown and served as a prosecuting attorney in Bossier and Webster parishes for 12 years. In 2001, Whit left the DA’s office to open his own private practice, focusing on criminal defense for DWI cases. He quickly earned a reputation as one of the toughest defense attorneys in northwest Louisiana.
While Whit was celebrated for his careers in law enforcement and law, his most cherished role was that of husband and father. Whit, his wife, Robin Rue, son Michael Graves, and stepson Garrett Jones made countless memories traveling the world together, visiting more than 10 countries and 48 states in just 10 years. Whit was also a natural teacher, always cheering for or coaching others in the activities that made them happy.
Throughout his life, Whit maintained friendships and built a vast chosen family through various fraternities, social groups, and religious organizations, including DeMolay, El Karubah Shriners, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Royal Order of Jesters, Krewe of Justinian, and several Christian Methodist Episcopal and United Methodist churches.
In death, Whit’s friends and family will miss his wise guidance on the back porch, his uplifting spirit in the “bar,” and his friendly smile everywhere he went.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to friends, staff at Willis-Knighton, and staff at Lifepath Hospice for their exceptional care at the end of Whit’s life. A private ceremony will be held at the family cemetery in Noble, La., to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital Shreveport (his most beloved charity), that someone be made to smile, or that you simply have a “wonderful” day in Whit’s memory.