On July 13, 1947, the sun rose when Benny Gravitt was born. On Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, the sun set as he passed through the gates of heaven to join our Lord at the age of 69.
Benny was born in Canton, Ga., to parents John Herbert and Jane Estelle (Reaves) Gravitt. After attending Cherokee High School, he joined the United States Coast Guard in 1966 and served for 26 years. Some of his duty stations were: USCGC Mendota (North Carolina), USCG Station Oak Island (North Carolina), USCGC Steadfast (Florida), USCG Recruiting Office (Florida), USCG Station Juneau (Alaska), USCGC Reliance (Florida), USCG Barque Eagle (Connecticut), USCG Station Mayport where we made our home at the Amelia Island Lighthouse, and retired at USCG Station Miami in 1992 as Chief Warrant Officer 2, Finance and Supply.
Benny married his high school sweetheart Dorothy (Dottie) Elizabeth Mooney; they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary July 23, 2016. They have five children, Lorra Anne Allen (John), Cheryl Lynn Rhatigan (Doug), Richard (Rick) Franklin Gravitt (Monica), Julie Victoria Thomas (Bob) and Donald "Calvin" Gravitt (Emily). There are 10 grandchildren, Sarah Williams, Amber Reno, April Stout, Cassandra Goodall, Alexander Gravitt, Merec Gravitt, Brody Gravitt, Abigail Gravitt, Jack Gravitt and Josh Gravitt; great-grandchild, Olivia; and many children and grandchildren by love, every child who entered our home called us Mom and Dad or Grammy and Papa.
Benny impacted many lives in Fernandina Beach as a loyal friend and companion as he never met a stranger, all were treated to a meal (known for biscuits and gravy, pulled pork and brownies, aka "Benny’s Brownies"), a song played on his mandolin and a joke. He lived life to the fullest as protector of our shores and loved traveling, making sure his children saw the wonders of our beautiful country, such as the world’s largest ball of twine.
Services will be held at the Jacksonville National Cemetery on Monday, Feb. 6, at 1 p.m. There will be an open house from 3-5 p.m. at the Gravitt home for anyone wishing to pay respects and share good memories.