Kelly Charles Graves
With heavy hearts we announce Kelly “Lips” Graves passed away unexpectedly the morning of August 18, 2023 with his partner Chris by his side. Kelly was born November 30, 1961 in Salt Lake City UT to Kenneth and Gladys “Sally” Graves. He grew up in Murray, making many close friends and attending Murray High School where he was a member of the football team. After graduation, Kelly joined the US Army. After completing basic training in Ft. Benning AL he was stationed at Garlstedt Army Base, West Germany as a door gunner and helicopter mechanic. During his service there, he always found time to attend rock concerts and party German style with his friends and the locals.
Kelly learned the art of autobody repair and paint from his dad and worked many years in that industry. He also worked in the exploratory drilling, construction and home renovation fields. Kelly worked hard to help raise and support 3 children from a previous marriage to Tamie Graves. There are many good memories of family camping, fishing, river rafting and hunting trips.
Kelly was a lover of animals and all things outdoors including hunting, fly fishing, river rafting and panning for gold. All who knew him will say he had a hilarious sense of humor, the ability to charm anyone and could spin a yarn like no other. He was one of a kind.
Kelly leaves behind his heartbroken children Skyler, Whitney (Vince) Dimov and Riley (Carol); grandchildren Asher Ventsi Dimov and Emilia Piper Dimov; long-time partner Chris Green and beloved cat Maynard ; father Ken; brothers Michael and Patrick (Wendy) Graves; ex-wife Tamie Graves, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Gladys “Sally” Greenburg Graves, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be on Thursday, September 14th from 6-8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek. Guests are encouraged to use the entrance and parking located on the north side of the building.