Gregory Bruce Graves, 77, passed away on August 31, 2024 at his home in Fresno, California following a lengthy illness.

Bruce was born on February 14, 1947 in Turlock, California, the son of Donald and Imogene (Schell) Graves.

As a youth Bruce enjoyed the outdoors: hunting, fishing and working with his father in the almond orchard.  He attended school in Livingston, California.

After high school he enlisted in the United States Army, training as a Paratrooper and Parachute Rigger.  In 1967 he was assigned to a rear area Rigger unit in South VietNam.  Upon arrival, when he was supposed to write down his assigned unit, he put in an Infantry outfit instead because, "I wanted to see what was going on out there."

Once in A Company, 2nd Battalion of the 327th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division he distinguished himself as a natural born leader, rising rapidly to the rank of Sergeant and Squad Leader.  He was highly respected by his men.

Being on the "Tip of the Spear", Bruce was involved in many combat operations all around South VietNam, surviving two bouts of malaria and being wounded twice.

His decorations include the Parachute Badge, Rigger Patch, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, and Vietnamese Gallantry Cross, among others.

After recovering from his second wound, he was discharged from the Army.

Bruce later attended Fresno State University and worked for the IRS after graduation.

Bruce met the love of his life, Georgeann Watts, in Fresno and they were married on August 31, 1974.  They marked their 50th Anniversary this year.

In 1978, Bruce took a job with Kerley Chemical in Phoenix, Arizona, selling agricultural chemicals and fertilizer where he advanced to Business Development Director.  The family moved back to Fresno in 1989 as he continued with Kerley.  Bruce took a job with BSP Chemical in 1994, supplying chemicals for municipal water treatment facilities in multiple states and overseas as well.  He retired in 2014.

One of Bruce's favorite places was Yosemite National Park.  During his 60's and into his 70's he enjoyed yearly hiking trips there with friends climbing the Half Dome five times.

Bruce was a great lover of animals, especially cats and dogs. He always kept the neighborhood squirrels, birds, and cats well fed.  He was especially fond of his favorite cat, Jet.

Bruce was a kind, generous, and loving person who will be missed by all who knew him. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Darryl.  He is survived by his wife Georgeann of Fresno, California; his son Adam and wife Akiko and granddaughter Aria of Bountiful, Utah; an Uncle Marvin Schell of Texas; and many other relatives and friends.

May God have mercy and give strength to those who mourn.