Birth date: Jul 23, 1936 Death date: Feb 15, 2021
Roy Gravatte, as he was known, was born in Washington, D.C. on July 23, 1936. He passed peacefully at home in Bethany Beach, Delaware on February 15, at the age of 84. Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Frances Miller Grav Read Obituary
I just learned the sad news. Trice helped so many people and will be missed.
I did not know Roy, but did know his late sister, Martha Lu. I was a childhood friend of Martha Lu's and was very impacted by her passing in 7th grade of spinal meningitis.
I have thought of her often through the years. I remember which house she lived in (off Cameron Mills Rd. in Alexandria, VA) and reflect on her when I occasionally pass by there. We were classmates at George Mason Elementary. I'm so sorry that she didn't live to grow up. If there is a way that their brother, Charles, could be in touch with me, I'd appreciate it. I am reachable via Facebook Messenger as Susan Katz Clark. Thank you.
To the Family of Leroy Gravatte,
I met Mr. Gravatte in the early summer of 1970. I had just graduated from Howard University in Washington, DC. I visited GSA's Headquarters office in search of employment and was referred to visit Mr. Gravatte at the GSA regional office in southwest DC. I met with him and he gladly welcomed me into the GSA family. About six weeks later I was offered a position as an electrical engineer intern. I remain eternally grateful to him for bringing my difficult and stressful job search to a very rewarding conclusion. He changed the course of my life and helped to make me the person I am today. He was quite a "gentle" man.
May God bless the Gravatte family and know that I am grateful for his presence on this earth.
Most Sincerely.
Ezel Silver Jr.
Leeroy would always light up the Barber Shop whenever he came by. The guys at Bobs Barber Shop in Springfield will miss the Stories GOD bless you Lee Roy. We know you enjoyed your time at the beach..
Bob & Carolyn "Bobs Baber Shop"
We were so sorry to hear of Roy’s passing and want to extend our love, thoughts and prayers to all the family during this difficult time. No one can ever replace him as he was one of a kind!
We had many good and fun times together with our shared interests in Rotary, golf, The Hokies and martinis. It’s much too quiet now.
Our sincere condolences,
Teddy and Lonny Marchant
Got a call today informing me of Roy's passing and send my most sincere condolences. I have many memories of my cousin including family visits to Bethany Beach where there would be 4 LeRoy T's at one time, as I was named after his grandfather as was Roy and his father. You can imagine the response when someone called for Roy. During our high school and early college days we had some great poker games at his house and by chance he was assigned to my Company for his final year at Tech. I also rowed for GWHS as did his brother Bucky who was a classmate of mine and we were friends there. I would occasionally meet up with Roy at Class reunions and football games in Blacksburg as I am also a HOKIE nut and get season tickets every year. I knew his wife Gail from High School and when she was at Radford where my wife was as well. By coincidence, I thought of calling Roy today to see if he had heard of her passing on February 6. She lived in Williamsburg, where I reside as well. If anyone would like to contact me I can be reached at [email protected] or 757-784-0351.
LeRoy Burrows
My husband Bob Conley and I shed tears on learning of Roy's passing. Roy was such a part of Bob's life for so many years in good times and a few not so good times. I always saw Roy as an amazing person with an outgoing personality that people loved. We will miss him and will pray for him and the entire Gravatte family.
In 1973 I bought a home on Bridlewood Dr in Springfield Va and became the next door neighbor to Roy Gravette and family. We have been close friends for almost 50 years. We shared many good times at Bridlewood, Bethany Beach and more recently in Florida during the winter months where we meet for three hour lunches. Roy was a remarkable person in many ways and it was an honor to have him as part of my life. His passing has left a large void and I will greatly miss him. Good bye my dear friend. I will cheer on Virginia Tech for you.
Bob Conley
Le Roy and I went to GW hi school together. What a great time to grow into our teen years. Jess and I last saw Roy several years ago at the Big Fish grill in Rehoboth and talked about GW days. I agree “meet Roy one time” that started a lasting friendship.
Our condolences to the family.
Rilda(Furman) Hendrix—-Jess Hendrix
I was privileged to know Roy virtually his entire life as we grew up together in the same Alexandria neighborhood, went to the same grade school and high school, rowed on the same National Championship crew, joined the same Naval Reserve unit, worked at the same Government agency for a time and remained best friends our entire lives. Although time and distance changed our day-to-day relationship, it never changed the love we had for each other.
To me, Roy could best be described as “Irrepressible”. He was truly, “One of a kind”, a “Force of nature”. I knew him not only as a great friend, but as a great family man. His love for Trice, Jeffrey and “Miss Virginia Lee” was only exceeded by his love for his Gail, a love that I believe endured beyond the ending of their relationship. Testimony to our friendship, he honored me as Jeffrey’s “Godfather” a title I have not well lived up to.
My wife, Sloane, and I were deeply saddened by his passing, but we are comforted in the knowledge of a life well lived and that he is now at rest with the Lord. Our hearts go out to the extended Gravatte family, and while his image fades, his memory lingers on. Rest in peace good friend.
