Kelly Charles Graves
November 30, 1961 - August 18, 2023
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.
In Loving Memory
Buddy I am going to miss you a lot, I have often thought of all the hell we raised working the rigs together. I tell my wife and step kids about our crazy times out in god knows where, working for lang drilling.when the bosses asked where I wanted to go, I would say wherever graves is working!! My son and I talk about the fishing trips, and how you made him laugh! Bless you my friend!!, thank you for your friendship, and brother when my time comes, I will see you on the other side!!!, have a cold one ready!! We will have alot to talk about!!! Your friend Joe.
I will sure miss you, Kel. Sending all my love to you Chrissy.
Kelly, You we're my eldest cuz and I'm going to miss you terribly. I will forever cherish our bonding time all the times we were able to spend together with Aunt Sally (and of course Uncle Bozo Ken) until she left us. I will forever remember your laugh, your whistling and witty sense of humor. Life is too darn short and you will be missed by all of us. Grateful I was able to spend the precious times with you. I also wanted to thank you for always being there for my mom. I never got to tell you that but appreciated you always being there while I was in California. I hope you are laughing and enjoying your mom, grandma & grandpa and especially being with my sis, Ang. Love and miss you. Skylar, Whitney and Riley, Hold on to the special memories and know that your dad loved you all so much. We chatted about you all on many occasions. See you at the memorial and we are thinking about you and hope you find peace with your loss. XOXO Marnie
Kelly, I was young when my pop worked the rigs with you, but I still remember hanging with your family to this day. One hunting trip we went on we were all packed up in a bronco or a K5 I think it was, and laughing having a great time! I happened to pass gas and your eyes got as big as golf balls and you reached out into the air and grabbed a handful and yelled "damn boy I can taste that there is something wrong with you" hahaha!! I laughed until I almost passed out it was hilarious! Great times are all I remember having when we all got together. I also remember being scared to go into the basement like a little chicken without one of the boys haha. I wish everyone the best some good old fashion core memories were made with you all god bless
In Loving Memory
