Kevin Roger Grauer

Kevin Roger Grauer, 82, of Memphis, TN, left us on Monday, September 23, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his sons Shea and Beau Grauer, granddaughter Chloe Grauer-Lea, parents Mary and Henry Grauer, and nephew David Wayne Grauer. He is survived by his wife, Gail Handwerker-Grauer; daughter Paige; son Sean; son-in-law Ty Taylor; daughters-in-law Elaina Grauer, Wendy Grauer, and Liz Grauer; grandchildren Kade Taylor, Ian Grauer, Demi and Sophia Grauer, Ayden, Cannon, and Eli Grauer; step-granddaughters Reese and Parker McLean; brother Hank Grauer; and niece Pam Grauer-Guglielmino.

Kevin was born on July 6, 1942, in Hastings on the Hudson, New York. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1960 and entered the U.S. Marine Corps in August 1961, where he served four years as an aviation tech in Okinawa, Japan, and Seoul, Korea. Before leaving for his overseas assignment, Kevin met his future wife, Gail, at a Marine Corps Ball in Millington, TN. On their first date, he told her he would marry her, and for three years during his deployment, they maintained a long-distance relationship through heartfelt letters. They married four months after his service ended in 1966 and celebrated 58 years together at the time of his passing.

Upon returning to civilian life, Kevin applied the technical skills he gained in the Marines to a 16-year career as a point-of-sale technical specialist at Sears and Roebuck. He then spent the next 20 years at Federal Express, where he served as Manager of Technical Services until his retirement in 2003.

Kevin’s devotion to his Catholic faith was central to his life. He had a deep and unwavering connection to the Church and a special devotion to the Blessed Mother, Mary. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served on the Finance Committee at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Pickwick, TN. His faith guided him in all he did, and he found strength in prayer and service.

Honest and loyal to a fault, Kevin lived by the principle of always trying to do the right thing. He greeted everyone with a smile, never forgetting a name, and always made time for a story or two. Kevin had a deep love for the outdoors, whether it was fly fishing, dove hunting with his sons and grandsons, or spending time on the golf course as an avid golfer. A chef at heart, he treasured cooking Thanksgiving meals with his granddaughter Demi. Kevin loved a family get-together, and never missed a chance to share a fine single malt or a glass of cabernet while playing liars poker, or telling tall tales with his brothers-in-law and close friends.

Kevin was a man of many talents, capable of building or fixing almost anything. Whether tackling projects around the house or lending a hand to a friend, his technical skills and hands-on expertise were unmatched. Above all, Kevin loved his family deeply. As a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Kevin’s passing was sudden, but we were blessed with six additional days to be with him, surrounding him with love. We saw his strength and resilience come through as he fought to get better for his family. He shaped who we are today, and we take comfort in knowing he passed feeling deeply loved. We find peace in the thought that he’s reunited with his beloved sons, Shea and Beau, sharing stories and a cold beer once again.

He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and loyalty, a man whose faith and love for his family were the cornerstones of his life.

The family wishes to thank the Hardin County EMS Air Evac Lifeteam, the North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, and the neurosurgeons, ICU, and Hospice caregivers for their exceptional care. Their kindness, compassion, and dedication comforted us during this challenging time, and we are profoundly grateful for the support they offered in Kevin’s final days.

A memorial mass will be held at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 10 am, 1695 Central Ave, Memphis, TN 3810. Reception to follow downstairs in Marian Hall at 11 am. 

Instead of flowers please consider supporting the Marine’s Memorial Association with a donation in Kevin’s honor. https://marinesmemorial.org/