Garcia Maurice Graves

Garcia Maurice Graves, 75, of Clinton, Maryland, passed away on August 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife, Elizabeth; his son, Christopher; and his daughter, Lisa. He was more than a husband, father, grandfather, friend, and Chief—he was a man known for his quiet strength, humor, faith, dedication to family, strong work ethic, and commitment to serving others. Garcia was born on December 26, 1950, in Washington, D.C., to Thomas Graves and Tekoe Davis. He grew up in Prince George's County, Maryland, in the Cedar Heights community, alongside his siblings, Jewell L. Graves Tucker, Andra P. Stewart, and Domingo Graves. He attended Fairmont Heights High School and later earned his bachelor's degree. Service was an important part of Garcia's life. He proudly served for 20 years in the United States Coast Guard, achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E-7). His Coast Guard career took him and his family to duty stations that included Baltimore, Maryland; Kodiak, Alaska; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Washington, D.C.; Alexandria, Virginia; and Honolulu, Hawaii. Following his military service, Garcia continued his career with the Coast Guard as a civilian until his retirement. His decades of military and civilian service reflected the commitment, discipline, professionalism, and high standards that were hallmarks of his life. Over the years, Garcia became a familiar and respected presence within the Coast Guard, particularly at Coast Guard Headquarters. Colleagues remember him as a consummate professional, mentor, problem solver, and someone who could always be counted on to get things done. Through his work supporting senior Coast Guard leadership, the morning flag briefings, and the Commandant's briefing operations, Garcia became someone colleagues throughout Headquarters knew, respected, and relied upon. He took pride in doing things the right way and expected the same from those around him, while never losing the humor and caring nature that made him a trusted colleague and friend. Years later, those who served and worked alongside Garcia would remember him as a role model, a cornerstone of the organization, a genuine gentleman, and a man whose influence extended far beyond his job title. Whether in uniform or later as a civilian, to many of the people who knew him through the Coast Guard, Garcia remained what he had worked so hard to become: Chief. It was during his time in San Juan, Puerto Rico, that Garcia met Elizabeth Calderon on a blind date arranged by mutual friends. The meeting began a lifelong partnership. Garcia and Elizabeth married in San Juan on June 24, 1972, and celebrated 54 years of marriage together. Over those years, they built a life centered on family, faith, and the simple things they enjoyed together, including going to the movies and spending time at the beach. Garcia was the proud father of Christopher and Lisa and the loving grandfather of Jacob, Colbie, and Caleb, who knew him as "Grandad" and "Bud." Family was at the center of his life. He especially enjoyed being with his grandchildren, spending time with friends, and bringing the family together for holidays and other gatherings. 1His influence as a father extended well beyond his own home. Garcia gave his time to his community by coaching youth sports for many years, particularly football, and he also coached Christopher in baseball and football. He understood that coaching young people was about more than the game—it was an opportunity to teach, encourage, set standards, and be present in their lives. Garcia enjoyed football and was a devoted Washington Redskins fan. Music was also a big part of his life, with favorites that included Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, the Commodores, Anita Baker, James Taylor, Carly Simon, and Sting. He had an interest in cars, including the Camaro, and a special fascination with hot air balloons, including the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, a hot-air balloon festival in New Mexico. His faith and commitment to service continued throughout his life. Garcia was part of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church community and participated in honoring fellow veterans, including laying wreaths at veterans' cemeteries. For his family, however, Garcia's legacy is found just as much in the everyday moments as in his accomplishments. Lisa remembers their family's time together in Hawaii. Christopher remembers going to games and movies with his dad and, later in life, having his father come to watch the rowing teams he coached. Those moments—showing up, being present, sharing time together—were part of who Garcia was. Perhaps most meaningful was Garcia's opportunity to watch his children grow into adulthood, build lives and families of their own, and then to watch his grandchildren grow. The same qualities that so many of his Coast Guard colleagues remember—his steadiness, high standards, loyalty, humor, and willingness to be there when needed—were qualities his family knew throughout their lives. Garcia was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Graves and Tekoe LaCountress Graves, and his brother, Andra P. Stewart. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Elizabeth Calderon Graves; his children, Christopher Graves and Lisa Graves; his grandchildren, Jacob Graves, Colbie Graves, and Caleb Graves; his sister, Jewell Graves Tucker; his brother, Domingo Graves; and extended family and friends whose lives he touched throughout his 75 years. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Clinton, Maryland. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. Information regarding the repast will be shared separately. Garcia will be laid to rest at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery at a later scheduled date. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to the American Red Cross or the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church food pantry. Garcia's life was one of family, faith, service, and commitment. He served his country, supported his community, loved his family, mentored those around him, and had the privilege of watching that family grow across generations. To his Coast Guard family, he was a respected Chief, colleague, mentor, and friend. To his family, he was Dad, Grandad, Bud, and a steady presence they could count on. 2His quiet strength, humor, high standards, and devotion to the people and institutions he loved will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered