Sam "Sammy" Lee Graves

Sam “Sammy” Lee Graves passed away on Good Friday, March 30th, 2018, at the age of 86. Sam was born in Minden, Texas, on June 2nd, 1931 to John Lee and Ila Graves. Two days after Sam’s 3rd birthday, his father passed away. Shortly after, Ila moved her children, Sam, Oneta, Dorothy, and Geraldean to Los Angeles. It was there at the age of 14 he met the love of his life, Nennette Andrade. They were married on January 13th, 1951. They spent their honeymoon in Spokane, WA, after he joined the US Air Force and was in basic training. He served in the Korean Conflict and was later stationed in Petaluma, CA, at Hamilton Air Force Base, where he served the remainder of his military time (1951-1954). While in Petaluma, Sam and Nennette welcomed son, Thomas on Feb. 20th, 1953. They eventually moved to Torrance, CA, where Sam worked at Shell Oil for 13 years in both Wilmington and Carson. While living in Torrance, they welcomed 5 more children; three boys and two girls. In June 1970, the family moved to Scott Valley, CA. They later moved to Yreka, CA, in 1973 where Sam and Nennette both worked at the Siskiyou County Juvenile Hall as Counselors. Nennette retired from that position after 25 years. Sam’s last seven working years were spent at Fout Springs Youth Facility in Stonyford, CA, where he retired in 1996. Sam had a deep conviction in his Christian faith and loved helping people whenever he could. He was equally committed to his family and took great joy in spoiling them. He loved music of all genres and throughout his life enjoyed hunting, archery, taking his family to the lake, and volunteering. Sam was really one of a kind and had a superior memory for dates and details. He was loved by many and his wide knowledge, wisdom and guidance, love for a good joke, strong hugs, and contagious laugh will be sorely missed. Sam was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Nennette; son Thomas; and daughter Samantha. Sam is survived by son Daniel (Rosie) of Yreka; daughter Linda Reynolds (Ken) of Grants Pass; son John (Beth) of Colorado Springs, CO; son Matthew of Yreka; his grandchildren, Richard Haas of Yreka; Christina Haas of Sacramento; Adrian Graves of Oro Fino; Jessica Anderson of Yreka; Fawn Jamison of Grants Pass; Jazmine Graves of Johnson Park, CA; Danielle Graves of Redding; Ashley Watson of Medford; Kaylee Graves of Lake Shastina; fourteen Great-Grandchildren and four Great-Great-Grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. All are welcome to join our family in remembering a life well lived. Funeral Services to be held Sunday, April 22nd 11:00 AM at the SDA Church at 346 Payne Lane, Yreka. Burial will be at the Catholic Cemetery in Fort Jones (Eastside Road) at 1:00 PM. Gathering to follow at the Fort Jones Community Center, 11960 East Street in Fort Jones.

Sam "Sammy" Lee Graves

June 2, 1931 - March 30, 2018