Roderick M. Graves

Roderick M. Graves departed this life on November 2, 2019 surrounded by part of his amazing support system. He came into this world with a weak heart, but his spiritual heart was far from that. He had such a beautiful, loving and passionate soul towards people regardless of their ethnic, social or economic status.  That loving heart was especially shown to his children, family and friends. The adage “he never met a stranger” holds very true for him-- he loved people and people loved him. He certainly put a new spin to the word loquacious.  He cared very deeply about social and racial injustices in the world. His greatest and most passionate cause however was that of his children, Mia and Elijah. They were literally his hearts-- that love is what kept his heart beating.

He loved and excelled at his job with LKQ Corporation. His coworkers and managers were like family and they treated each other as such which made working there very enjoyable. His customers were also an extension of that comradery. Among his interests and hobbies, he enjoyed traveling, was a very good cook and a master griller. He also enjoyed going saltwater and freshwater fishing with his friend Christopher Mayo. Roderick was also very artistic and gifted in drawing, music and writing.

His was preceded in death by his grandmother, Gracie Mangum; grandfathers, J. L. Graves, Embra Mangumand and John Grover; aunt, Barbara Graves House; uncles, John Graves, Cameron Grover and Melvin Grover.

Roderick is survived by his daughter, Mia Sophia Graves; son, Elijah Christopher Graves; parents, Reginald and Alice Grover and Timmie Mangum; sisters, Rachonda Grover, Rakita Grover and Raneitra Grover; grandmothers, Rosie Graves and Ida Grover; aunts, Addie Mangum, Johnette Grover, Beverly Grover, Karen Grover, Gina Coke and Debra Cooper (Alan); uncles, Arthur Graves (Sharon), James Grover, Dennis Grover and Donald Grover.

A viewing will be held on Friday, November 8, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073, (904) 264-1233. The funeral will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at The Potter’s House, 5119 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32205.

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