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Obituary For Mr. Larry "Sea Dog" Nathaniel Graves
Mr. Larry Nathaniel Graves, affectionately known as "Sea Dog" by family and friends, passed away on September 17, 2026. He was born in Cincinnati, OH, to the late Nathaniel and Elona Graves. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his siblings, Jeanie Graves, James Graves, and Mary Pendergraph.
Larry graduated from William Penn High School in 1968. After high school, he served four years in the United States Navy and received an honorable discharge. While living in San Diego, CA, he worked at a child development center.
He left California and moved to Washington, DC, where he worked as a chauffeur for the Pentagon. He later returned to High Point, NC, and pursued his education at Guilford Technical Community College, earning a degree in photography and acting. This degree helped him secure a role in the movie "Critical Condition," which was filmed at the old High Point Memorial Hospital. While working on the film, Larry had the incredible opportunity to meet and collaborate with the legendary comedian and actor Richard Pryor.
At the age of 14, Larry had the incredible opportunity to dance on stage with the legendary James Brown and perform on "Soul Train" during his high school years. He showcased his exceptional dancing skills in numerous talent shows and was known for his classy style. Larry was truly a talented artist.
Larry leaves to cherish his memory his siblings, Freda Sinclair of Nevada; Curtis Lilly (Linda) of High Point, NC; Patricia Thomasson of Greensboro, NC; Michael Graves (Mary) of Greensboro, NC; Danny Graves of Asheboro, NC; Brenda Millner of Greensboro, NC; and Saundra Chapman Fisher (Wilbur) of High Point, NC. He will be deeply missed by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 1:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.
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Shelbia Marley sent Serene Retreat for Mr. Larry "Sea Dog" Nathaniel Graves - September 19, 2026
To :Sandra & Family. FROM: The Marley
To the Family of Larry (Sea Dog) Graves, I was deeply saddened to learn of Sea Dog's death and extend my condolences to you. Although we hadn't seen each other in many years, occasionally we reconnected via the phone to catch up on life, share memories from school, and laugh about old times. Sea Dog was truly one-of-a-kind and a great storyteller. I still have fond memories of his sitting in my mother's living room in High Point shortly after his discharge from the Navy regaling his adventures and experiences in that gravelly, husky voice of his. Although we last reconnected about 6 years ago, time and distance never diminished the bond of our shared memories. May you find comfort in the cherished moments you shared with Sea Dog and may your cherished memories bring you peace. With love and praying you enough........ Barbara J. Carter William Penn High School Class of '68
Sending Sincere Condolences to the Family. R.I.H Larry. Your friend Gina โค๏ธ
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Sending prayers and condolences to the Graves family.
Family, you are all in our prayers. Remember there isn't any sorrow that our God can't heal. We are praying for you.
Remember the good times and the happiness your loved one brought to you. If you remember them then they are never truly gone. Condolences to the Graves Family you are in our thoughts and prayers on behalf of Alex and Nettie Graves Family of Randolph County.
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My condolences to the family.
Praying for the Graves Family From the Witherspoon Family and the Rorie Family Riph ๐ฑ๐ท๐ช๐๐๐ญ๐งค๐งด๐ญ
Condolences from the Norman family ๐ RIP Seadog ๐
Sorry for your loss
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