Whitley “Whit” Robert Graves, 69, of Bossier City, La., passed away peacefully in his home with family on September 14, 2024.
Whit was a stranger to no one and always “wonderful,” when asked about his day. His family and closest friends remember him as jovial, boisterous, giving, and an all-around presence in the room. A public servant at heart, Whit worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others 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, NASCAR races, camping, boating, telling family stories, traveling around 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 to give birth on a hot October day, a precursor to the adventurous and fascinating life he would lead.
In his early years Whit helped to care for his “Grandmother Mommie,” Lena Whitley (deceased). He often shared stories about Mommie and his close relationship with her and his grandfather, H. H. Whitley (deceased). As a child, Whit would frequently hop on the back of the T&P Railroad train to visit his grandparents in Waskom, Tx., an easy feat as he knew all of the conductors and crew members.
As a teenager, Whit worked at the old Ellis Grant Esso Station rebuilding engines to make extra money and buy his first car so he could confidently take the girls at school on dates. He simultaneously attended Airline High School and LSUS, and helped to support his brother, Kenneth, Jr. (deceased), as he progressed through dental school.
At 19, Whit became the youngest-ever Louisiana State Trooper and spent 11 years with the State Police, not including his four years as a Criminal Investigator working undercover and two years with the Federal Drug Enforcement Task Force. Whit told many fantastical stories about his time working with heroic (and sometimes rowdy) friends and colleagues. His favorite activity 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 Baton Rouge. Upon graduating, he was hired by then-District Attorney Henry Brown and worked 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 arrests. He quickly earned a reputation as one of the toughest defense attorneys in Northwest Louisiana.
While Whit was a celebrated law enforcement official and attorney, his most notable role was that of husband and father. Whit, his wife, Robin Rue, son Michael Graves, and step-son Garrett Jones, made many memories traveling the world together, visiting more than 10 countries and 48 states in a matter of 10 years. Moreover, Whit was a natural teacher, always cheering along or coaching others in the various activities that made them happy.
Throughout his life, Whit maintained friendships and built a vast chosen family through various fraternities and social and religious organizations, including: DeMolay, El Karubah Shriners, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Royal Order of Jesters, Krewe of Justinian, and memberships at various Christian Methodist Episcopal and United Methodist churches.
In death, his friends and family will most miss his wise guidance on the back porch, uplifting spirit in the “bar,” and friendly smile everywhere he went.
Whit’s family would like to extend a special thanks to friends, staff at Willis Knighton, and staff at Lifepath Hospice for providing special and exceptional care at the end of his life. The family will hold a private ceremony at his family cemetery in Noble, La., to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests you continue Whit’s legacy of improving the lives of others by making a donation to Shriners Children’s Hospital Shreveport (his most beloved charity), causing someone to smile, or having a “wonderful” day.