Obituary of Jerry Michael Graves

Obituary Mike “Pat Murphy” Graves went to be at rest on Thursday, October 3, 2019. God saw you getting tired, and a cure was not to be. So He put his arms around you and whispered, “Come to me”. A golden heart stopped beating hard, working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. * No matter what name you knew him by, Mike or Pat, if you knew him, you knew a special person. Mike Graves, the man so many of us knew for over 45 years as radio and television personality Pat Murphy, entertained, informed, and touched the lives of each of us. He was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam from 1966 to 1969. While he never spoke much about his time in the service, he was proud of having served, and he knew the gravity of the situation that he was in while serving. To many of us, he was a broadcasting legend. To his family, he was dad. And like everything else he did in his life, Mike Graves put his all into his family. He passed away with Noreen, his wife of 12 years, and his dog, who was his constant companion, by his side. After a long battle with cancer, it is a rest that is well deserved. Mike had turned 70 this past April, and would very quickly tell you, with a broad and warm smile, that he was given a very full life. He was one of the happiest and most sincere individuals that the world was ever graced with. Standing shoulder to shoulder with national talk hosts, presidents, governors, senators, and people from all walks of life, he was always the same wonderful person. Had the opportunity to make friends with many superstars of the industry when he served as president of the National Association of Radio Talk Show Hosts. From radio DJ to television news anchor to radio talk show host, Mike, as Pat Murphy, gave us his all. His dedication, love for his work, and genuine desire to be the best that he could possibly be, all came together to make him who he was. What he was, was a father, a husband, a friend, and a mentor. What he is, is a part of all of us, always and forever. Rest well, friend. Jerry Michael (Mike) Graves passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2019, after a long battle with cancer, with his wife Noreen and four-legged companion, Nala, by his side. Mike was born on April 29, 1949, in Arlington, VA, the son of the late Thomas Joseph and Wanda (Lohr) Graves. He is survived by his daughter, Amy Stephenson (James) and stepchildren Christen (Ryan), Doug (Chandlar), Lee, Anje (Jared). His brother Robert Joseph (Betty) and sister Mary Fletcher (Bill), many grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Thomas William Graves. Mike proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1966 to 1969. Mike was known as Pat Murphy during a long radio and TV broadcasting career spanning 45 years. This career began in the early 60’s in the Washington, DC area at stations WMOD, WEAM and WEEL. His career included stations WNIS, WVNS and WTAR in Norfolk, VA; WROV in Roanoke, VA; WGOW in Chattanooga, TN; KGRZ and KGVO in Missoula, MT, WBOC radio and TV in Salisbury, MD and as well as Political Analyst on WTTG-TV. He spent 20 years on WAVY-TV in Norfolk, VA before his retirement. While stationed in Hawaii he could be heard on station KPOI and KKUA radio and KHVH-TV. He served as President of the National Association of Radio Talk Show Hosts in 1991. Mike was dedicated to this work he loved and always strived to be the best he could be. He entertained, informed and touched the lives of many. In 2015 Mike and Noreen moved to Tucson from Newport News, VA and he often shared with his family and friends how much he loved living in Arizona and how blessed he was for the wonderful friends he had grown to love. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and a friend to many. He will be missed by his family and all those who have known him over the years, but not forgotten. A memorial service/celebration of life will be held on November 11th at the Swan Lake Estates and graveside memorial will be in Arlington at a later date in 2020. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry Michael Graves, please visit our floral store.