OBITUARY: Deacon John Gravois

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Deacon John Gravois, born to Francois Denis and Mary Iola Gravois on May 9, 1943. He was raised in Edgard, Louisiana, a small rural community, where the language was often French, and the only church was Catholic. He was the youngest of eight siblings. His sister, Adele, was profoundly disabled and the family cared for her at home, praying the rosary around her bed every night. That experience deeply impacted Deacon Gravois throughout his life.

In high school, an experience during and after a National Catholic Youth Conference held in Indiana opened his eyes to the pervasive racism that surrounded him. During the closing celebration, he danced with a lovely young lady from the Bahamas, who was black. Someone took photos and shared them back home. When he returned, some of his classmates were waiting “to teach him a lesson.” They cornered him and beat him badly. He felt called to bring forth God’s love, regardless of race, economic status, or creed.

He and his beloved wife Martha were married in 1964. Two years later, he was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam war. Though he had not chosen it, that was the beginning of a 27-year military career. For four tours in Germany, he was a leader of soldiers, commanding first a company, then a battalion, then a brigade. Germany is also where the Gravois’ adopted their first child, Damien Gregory.

In Vietnam they adopted their daughter Melanie. Captain Gravois brought her home from the war zone. He said it was the closest a man could come to being a mother. Vietnam is also where he was exposed to Agent Orange, from which he would later develop the rare form of Parkinson’s that would ultimately take his life.

After 14 years of marriage, their youngest child, John Matthew, was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, where Major Gravois was a student at the Army’s Command and General Staff College.

Deacon Gravois’ final military assignment is what brought him to Florida in 1990, where he commanded the Army’s Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation Command.

Colonel Gravois retired from active duty in June 1993. For the next 8 years he traveled the world as head of International Operations for Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Always drawing near to God, Deacon Gravois began formation for the Permanent Diaconate, the fulfillment of a long-held dream. After Ordination, he was assigned to his home parish, Nativity Catholic Church in Longwood sharing the joy of the Gospel with all the people. He was fully engaged in pastoral work, offering the grace-filled Presence of God. He ministered as a member of the catechumenate team and led a weekly Bible study. He served as a resource person for several Diocesan programs. His booming baritone voice joined the heavens in singing the Exultet at the Easter Vigil. 

He and his beloved wife were ardent ‘RVers’ and took time to travel across the U. S. They found the beauty of creation in the National Parks, where they hiked and photographed wildlife and natural wonders. They also loved their cabin in the North Carolina mountains which became their refuge, a place of peace and beauty which they loved to share in hospitality.

Deacon Gravois was known for his culinary skills and workmanship in carpentry, and outdoor tenacity in maintaining the North Carolina cabin.

The domestic Church was the heart of Deacon Gravois and he held his family holy all his days. As a faithful disciple, he proclaimed humility, courage, and divine love that all whom he encountered might know, love, and serve God.

Funeral Arrangements:

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

11:00 am: Funeral Mass 

Nativity Catholic Church

3255 N. Ronald Reagan Bouelvard

Longwood, Florida

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. 

May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.