Carlos E Graley, 66, of Alum Creek went home to be with the Lord on May 11, 2011, surrounded by family and friends. He graduated from Washington District High School and Morris Harvey College (University of Charleston) with a degree in education. He worked for Belle Lines / Smith Transfer for 22 years and then retired from Kanawha County Schools after teaching at McKinley Middle School for 18 years. He motivated and inspired so many students who looked to him as a father figure and encouraged them to complete their education. He truly had a gift as an educator.
He is survived by his wife, Delores (Jean Stowers) Graley; children Greg Graley of Liberty; Carla Graley Finch (Jeff) of St Albans; and Anthony Graley (Patti) of Charleston. His six grandchildren always brightened his day; Mitchell Finch, Amanda Jo Graley, Sarah Finch, Beth Graley, Carson and Sloan Graley.
He is also survived by his mother; Maggie (Wolfe) Graley of Alum Creek and three brothers; Danny Graley (Brenda) of Copperas Cove, Tx; Wayne Graley (Dolley) of Alum Creek; and Harold “Hooks” Graley (Susie) of South Charleston. Brother-in-law Danny Stowers (Elana) of South Charleston, WV.
He was recently honored along with his brother Hooks and David Gillispie with a special recognition ceremony and banner at George Washington High School for their basketball accomplishments at the now consolidated Washington District High School. He was All State in 1963 with 29 PPG as well as All Kanawha Valley Conference in 1962 & 1963. He also carried his love of sports as he coached youth basketball and coached / umpired baseball games in Alum Creek. He also coached various sports at McKinley Middle School, and served as Athletic Director.
Carlos had an extreme love for golf and leaves behind many golfing buddies. He also enjoyed fishing at his camp in Pocahontas County. He always had a good joke to tell and was cherished by so many for his sense of humor. Even as his battle with cancer came to a close he stated “send my golf clubs ahead to heaven so they will be there waiting on me”. He will no doubt enjoy his time in heaven where the sun shines every day and the 19th Hole is divine.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Mark Moreland, Nurses at Dr. Jogenpolly’s office, and Scott Casdorph, Jennifer Kirsch, Ashley Casto, and Mary Akers with HospiceCare. Our sincerest appreciation also goes out to the many family and friends who have provided endless support during this time. Special thanks to neighbors and friends Jeff Ray and Johnny Myers.
A celebration of life will be held at 1PM, Saturday, May 14th, at Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek, WV, with Rev. Thomas Roberts officiating. Entombment will follow at Graceland Cemetery, South Charleston, WV. The family will also receive friends from 6 to 8 pm on Friday evening. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carlos Graley Memorial Scholarship c/o Ms. Varney at St Albans High School (304) 722-0212 or Hospice Care (304) 768-8523.