Thomas H. Graves Sr.

GRAVES, Thomas H. (Councilman)LIFE'S JOURNEY

A TIME TO BE BORN
Thomas H. Graves Sr. was born in Lexington, KY on October 25, 1934 to the late George Lee Graves and Mary Ellen (Bland) Graves-Moore. He was the fifth of six children all which have preceded him in death.

A TIME TO BE EDUCATED
Thomas moved with his family to Cincinnati, OH in 1945. He attended Steel Elementary School and North College High School. He also attended the University of Illinois where he was trained as a Certified Code Enforcement Officer.

A TIME TO WORK
Thomas worked for General Electric for twenty-five years. He also worked for Hamilton County Commissioners as Director of Code Enforcement for seven years. Thomas was Senior Housing Planner for the OH-KY-IN Regional Council of Governments. He was also Housing Director for the Urban League. He worked for Advo Marketing and Advertising as Key Account Executive for twelve years before retiring. During his life he provided Planning Consultant service to small local units of Governments and sold real estate and insurance. Thomas wrote and published three "how to information guides" which were implemented and used by area wide Agencies including Cincinnati and Hazelwood, Ohio; a Conventional Urban Renewal Program for the city of Blue Ash, Ohio; and a How to Buy A House for Tri-State Savings guide.

After retiring Thomas volunteered for the Hamilton County Parks. After his first year he was hired to start a "Greeter Program" and was a seasonal employee for six years. In June 2005 he was asked to serve on North College Hill City Council. He accepted and was elected to a full two year term where he served until his death.
A TIME TO REMINISCE
Thomas loved his church Allen Chapel AME in which he was a member since 1952. He served his local church and the District level as Sunday School Superintendent and served on the Steward Board. He loved to work in his garden, to fish, to cook and was very involved in the political world.

TIME TO THANK GOD
Thomas leaves to cherish his precious memories a loving wife Elaine of sixty-two years, three sons Thomas Jr. (Judith), Roland, and Maurice (Barbara), and daughter Natalie. Five grandchildren Maria, Thomas III (Lavette), Nikki, Lesli (Rico), Danielle, nine great-grandchildren Alena, Adrianna, Austin, Cameron, Lauryn, Thomas IV, Jackson, Raquell, Ryann. special cousins Yvonne, Carolyn (Charles), Joyce (Tony) and Ralph (Donna) special nieces Lucretia, Tiffany and Shawn and nephews Charles, Kevin, AJ, Blake, and Blair, special sister Mary A. Jones and host of relatives and friends.





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