Steven A. "Steve" Graves

Steven “Steve” A. Graves, a dedicated entrepreneur, a devoted family man, and a U.S. Army veteran who served his country valiantly in the Vietnam War, passed away on Nov. 30, 2022, in Harrisburg, Pa. He was 76, and he left a legacy of love for all who had the honor of meeting him. Born in a modest, farming community in Greensboro, N.C., Steve came into the world on March 22, 1946, during the height of segregation. But he was protected from the turmoil of the times by his tight-knit family. Steve was the center of his mother’s existence— the only son of the lovely Odessa Graves. Cousins say that even as a baby, Steve had game. He was born with beauty and charisma. His cherubic face and warm smile would often stop women in their tracks to pinch his cheeks and play with him. Steve was a family favorite—and that didn’t change as he grew up. It even saved him from chores at times. Steve was also a favorite in his community and at school. As a teen, he commanded a room when he entered it. He was athletic, tall, dark, and handsome with an easygoing spirit and quick wit. He had dreams of leaving the South someday and possibly traveling to the North. The progress of the civil rights movement igniting around him inspired him to want a life away from his family’s farm. When Steve was in the eighth grade, The Greensboro Four, had staged the city’s first sit-in at Woolworth’s Department Store for refusing to serve Blacks. And by the time that Steve graduated in 1964, the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 had passed ending segregation in public places and banning employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, and national origin. Steve had options that his forefathers had never imagined. Steve decided to join the Army to see the world, build a career, and a future that could help his family to prosper. He served his country selflessly in the Vietnam War where he lost good friends in the jungles of Asia. After he was discharged from the Army, he used the skills that he had learned in the military to find employment. He had become adept at operating machinery, cooking, and leading his peers with humor and integrity. He was what is now known as an “influencer” before the term had even been used. Steve pursued his education because he had a life plan: He wanted a business of his own. But first, he would need money. Steve moved to Florida when he was in his 20s to attend a trade school. He graduated as a certified heavy machinery operator. His skills were in demand. He had military-style discipline, an unwavering work-ethic, and a commitment to service excellence. Steve was soon hired as a machinery operator in Albany, N.Y. and was later called to Harrisburg, Pa., the city that was becoming the Northern home of his close-knit family from Greensboro. He joined his relatives in Harrisburg, making his mark as the family glue. He became the heart of the Graves and Rankin clan. He opened his home and his kitchen to his family no matter the hour. He hosted cookouts and reunions that kept distant cousins interacting like siblings, and made aunts and uncles as revered as grandparents. His professional life also flourished. Steve was hired by Carolina Freight and worked for the transportation and logistics company until his retirement. He also worked with his cousin by marriage Allen A. Dodd who renovated and rented homes. Steve quickly developed his own clientele and launched Stevie G’s Home Remodeling Company, which serviced homes across the Harrisburg area. The business is now being operated by his son, Steven “Stevie” A. Graves Jr. Steve Sr. loved God, good times, down home blues, jazz music, laughing, and most of all his family and friends. He never met a stranger. If you encountered him, you wouldn’t soon forget him. From his perfect afro to his trend-setting suits, to his winning smile and workman’s pants splattered with paint from a hard day at work, he was memorable. He made people feel happy. Steve was a loyal member of the Harrisburg Elks and the American Legion Post 733. He also attended several churches. He leaves to mourn his passing a host of relatives and friends. He is survived by his wife, Alfreda Graves; his daughters, Mary Mcintosh (Leslie), Stephon Thomas, and his son, Steven A. Graves (Meb); his grandchildren, Ruby, Tauhidah, Adalya, Steven, Kalli, Ayla, Arayia, Aunyail, Adasha, and Aryona; his great-grandchildren, Roman and Jaxson; his adoptive children, Taha Wahid, Warren Ritter, Tabatha Lee-Thomas and Shawn Ingram; his “sister/cousins,” Joan Hestor, Cynthia Cole, Dianne Rankin-McMillan (Phillip), and Linda and Brenda Rankin; and his “brother/cousin,” Charles Rankin. Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Odessa Graves; his “sister/cousins,” Janie Dodd and Madeline Malone; and his “brother/cousins,” Kenny, Terry, and Lenny Rankin. Family and friends are asked to honor Steven A. Graves’ legacy by embracing his passion for life and laughter, and his love for family gatherings. Be the glue that bonds generations as he did. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME.

Tributes

Steven A. "Steve" Graves

March 22, 1946 - November 30, 2022