John Paul Gravlee

John Paul Gravlee, a hero to his family, friends and country, completed God’s earthly mission for his life with strength and courage, and went home to his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his loving family on September 25, 2024. A beloved husband, father, “Poppy”, uncle, friend and patriot, John was the ultimate gentleman and fought valiantly through years of health obstacles with unwavering determination, and a signature twinkle in his brilliant blue eyes. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Willie Mae Roberts Gravlee and his father, Walton Jackson Gravlee, and his siblings Bobby, Jerome and Nancy Gravlee. He was the cherished son-in-law of Edward and Lucille Hunnicutt, and brother-in-law of Tommy Hunnicutt. John was so proud to be the father-in-law to Ryan Walsh, who passed a mere seven weeks prior after his own cancer battle. The two shared an incredible bond, and it gives their loved ones great comfort in knowing they are now healed, whole and together in Heaven. We also have zero doubt there’s some mischief going on up there involving golf carts.

John is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Debbie Hunnicutt Gravlee of Cumming, Georgia; his son Chris Gravlee (Shelia) of Nashville, Tennessee; his daughter Ashley Gravlee Walsh of Atlanta, Georgia; his granddaughter, Serena Gravlee of Claxton, Georgia; his brothers Gene Gravlee (Linda) of Sumiton, Alabama; Larry Gravlee of Smith Lake, Alabama; David Gravlee (Sheila) of Sumiton, Alabama; and Don Gravlee (Tammie) of Franklin, Tennessee; his brother-in-law Edward Hunnicutt, Jr. (Linda) of Venice, Florida; his sisters-in-law Sandra Roggli (Mike) of Winchester, Tennessee; and Shelia Hunnicutt of Elizabethtown, Kentucky. He leaves behind a multitude of extended family members inclusive of cherished nieces and nephews who lovingly called “Uncle Johnny” their favorite. John also leaves behind his devoted service dog Maverick, who could not have been a better companion to him or more adored. John and Maverick were quite the duo, bringing joy and smiles everywhere they went. Easy to love and befriend, we’re heartened to hear so many loved John, from every chapter in his life, as those closest to him did.

Born on November 14, 1951, John was the proud son of Walton and Willie Mae Gravlee. The sixth of eight children, the Gravlee household was forever changed after his loving mother Willie Mae passed when John was just a first grader in elementary school. John turned this heartache in childhood into strength of character, unconditional love for his family and formed an incredible ability to remain cool, calm and positive in challenging situations. As a result, he was such a pillar of comfort to others, and had a special ability to pick others up when the chips were down. His giant hugs were all-encompassing and his ability to to bring a smile to others through his pranks and sense of humor will be sorely missed.

After a childhood spent in Alabama, he moved with his father and younger sister Nancy to Decherd, Tennessee, where he would meet the love of his life and future wife, Debbie Hunnicutt Gravlee at Franklin County High School. Ever the gentleman and admired by his peers, Johnny, as he was known in his younger years, was crowned Homecoming King. John was also known for his good-natured shenanigans by his high school buddies… and occasionally the local authorities (allegedly). Since his family believes the statute of limitations has passed, let’s just say it was indeed John driving the gold Chevy Cheville that was known as the “gold flash” streaking across town and Winchester backroads into Decherd city limits. Unbeknownst to him, these country roads would prove to be excellent initial training grounds for his future assignments in Western Europe where his need for speed would serve him well in his career protecting generals, presidents and other dignitaries, and also racing Debbie home on the autobahn in Germany. He remained undefeated.

John proudly enlisted in the Air Force and shortly thereafter was deployed to serve in Vietnam. He and his family would later learn that he was exposed to agent orange while there, which directly led to his health complications in recent years, like so many of his fellow selfless veterans. Nevertheless, John was always immensely proud to serve his country, and after Vietnam, was specifically recruited, and later selected, to serve as Special Agent in the United States Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations (USAF OSI). He graduated top of his OSI class in Washington, D.C., earning the John Westmoreland Award. His love for fast cars, precision at the gun range, and most of all his modus operandi of putting others’ safety before his own, combined to make him an exceptional Special Agent. What was more challenging was when this clean-cut, not a hair out of place military man had to go undercover during sting operations, often growing beards and long hair, and spending days away from his loving wife and young children. Upon retiring from his 23-year career as head of USAF Europe OSI in Ramstein, Germany, John had earned countless accolades and commendations, many of which he never shared. He was the ultimate, real-life American hero with great humility.

In addition to his faith in God, his love for his family, and his pride in serving his country, John’s other passions throughout his life included baseball, Alabama Crimson Tide football, travel and serving others. Growing up, John was a skilled baseball player and later coached countless t-ball, softball and baseball teams to winning seasons. He loved coaching his son Chris, seeing him succeed on the field and occasionally passionately questioning an umpire’s eyesight in his son’s and team’s defense. While in Germany, John was selected as the head coach of the 13-year-old all-stars team from Ramstein Air Force Base, who would play and defeat teams all over Europe, and eventually earn a trip to the Junior Little League World Series in Detroit, Michigan. While his wife Debbie, a lifelong Volunteers fan, is still adamant John used his OSI training to brainwash his children Chris and Ashley, John’s passion for Alabama football created cherished time and lifelong memories with his children watching the Tide roll over and over again together. The texts and phone calls dissecting each Bama game and celebrating unbelievable plays will be sorely missed by Chris and Ashley every Saturday in the Fall. His family is also immensely grateful for his career of service and purpose, which enabled Debbie, Chris and Ashley to see so much of Europe while they lived there and gave us all our passion for travel, exploration of different cultures and cuisines, geopolitical affairs and adventure. His children were also fortunate to have a model of servant leadership as they watched their dad organize relief efforts for what was formerly known as the USSR, volunteer to help with landscaping and household affairs for elderly couples at their church and serve as president of the Andrews High School Booster Club for multiple years.

John’s children will also always be in awe of the love and unwavering commitment their mom Debbie poured upon their dad as a doting and devoted wife, and most recently, caretaker. Debbie followed wherever John’s career took them, while maintaining her career as a high school teacher, and spent countless nights unable to know where her husband was, due to the sensitivity and nature of John’s dream career. They were an incredible team, and hosted family and friends for European adventures during John’s two tours there. And, John’s family has the most hilarious Griswold-esque stories to prove it…our favorite in which involved a high-speed chase in an oversized passenger van driven by Special Agent Gravlee through the winding roads of the Swiss Alps after Debbie’s purse was stolen. Yes, seriously. Throughout their marriage, John and Debbie loved spending time learning from the wisdom of older couples just as much as hanging out with younger families…it kept them young and their calendars full! John and Debbie most recently celebrated 50 years of marriage with a trip to the Florida Keys, throwing Ashley and Ryan the most beautiful wedding at The Cloister in Sea Island, and buying a home in Cumming, Georgia to be closer to loved ones. Never to shy away from a challenge, John was also a bit unsure how he would top the gift of a new home for their wedding anniversary which was purchased on their actual 50-year wedding anniversary on June 1.

A Celebration of Life to honor John and the incredible legacy he leaves will be held Friday, October 4th, at 2:00 pm at Grace Chapel Church of Christ in Cumming, Georgia (6755 Majors Rd, Cumming, GA 30040), with a reception to follow. The family would invite all able to attend to wear any combination of red, white and/or blue in honor of John and his remarkable life of service. Given John’s heart for helping fellow veterans and the incredible bond he had with his service dog Maverick, those who wish to honor him through a charitable contribution might consider one of his favorite charities: Animals Deserve Better/Paws for Life based in Marietta, Georgia (https://animalsdeservebetter.org/). John was also a proud supporter of Winchester Christian Academy https://www.winchesterchristianacademy.org/give. 

For those unable to attend the service in person, John’s celebration will be live streamed at the following link: https://subsplash.com/gracechapelchurchofchris/messages/mi/+dmxkzqz

John’s family would like to express deepest gratitude for the doctors, nurses, technicians, support staff and chaplains at Northside Forsyth Hospital, who loved on our family during the unimaginable when both Ryan and John were in their care simultaneously. John and his precious Maverick quickly gained celebrity status on the seventh floor of the hospital. The family is grateful, yet not surprised, that you all came to admire and love him as your own, and would stop by to visit daily even if John wasn’t in your direct care. The family would also like to thank John’s team of doctors who rallied around him in North Carolina. The Gravlee and Walsh families are also forever grateful for the continuous prayers, love and support that have been poured upon us by family, friends and even new neighbors in Cumming, during this challenging time. 

Aim High and Roll Tide to our precious John. Until Heaven. John 3:16.