James Michael Gravis, 70, of Evadale, passed away at his home after a lengthy illness on Wednesday, October 10, 2012.
Mike was born January 15, 1942 in Evadale to Bruce W. and Ruby Gravis. Upon graduation from high school, he entered the US Army and was honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant in 1964. After being discharged, he began work for Santa Fe Railroad, where he remained until 1988. At that time, he began work for Econorail until his retirement in 2003. Mike was a member of Evadale Masonic Lodge #1366 for over 25 years. He also served as a Trustee on the Evadale ISD school board and coached Little Dribblers basketball for many years.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bruce 'Dwain' Gravis.
He is survived by his wife Joan of Evadale; three sons, Michael, Jr., Douglas and wife Rhonda, of Evadale and Steven and wife Jo Ellen of Silsbee; daughter Rhonda LeBlanc and husband Britt of Evadale; two brothers, Johnny and Roy and sister Kathy Guillory, all of Evadale and five grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be his nephews: Bruce William Gravis II, Zachary Gravis, Johnny Gravis Jr, Jacob Harris, Allen Gregory, Lynn Langston II, Rhett Gravis and Roy Gravis II. Honorary pallbearers will be Sonny White, Douglas Jones, Buddy Tanton, Lynn Hollyfield, Bert Fling and Johnny LeBlanc.
Visitation will be 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm Friday, October 12, 2012 at New Beginnings Church in Evadale. Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Saturday, October 13, 2012 at the church with Reverend Jeff Gravis and Reverend C W Lawrence officiating. Interment will follow at Morse Cemetery in Buna.
