Vernon Gravatt

Vernon Lee Gravatt, age 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 15, 2018 in Arlington, TX.
Vernon was born December 17, 1926, in Cooks Station, Missouri, the second of three sons to Henry and Maude Gravatt. Vernon graduated from Saint Louis, Missouri's Roosevelt High School in 1942, and on November 17, 1944, Vernon married the love of his life, Phyllis Irene Joplin, in Saint Louis. They shared their love and lives with one another for 73 years in Missouri and Texas, raising three children and welcoming many adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren throughout the years. Vernon proudly served his country as a Military Policeman stationed in Germany after World War II ended (1945-1946) and as a Staff Sergeant for the United States Army from 1945-1950. Vernon was a talented baseball player, coach and enthusiast, a skilled woodworker who could make or fix anything, and enjoyed the challenge of solving crossword puzzles daily (usually while sneaking a handful of jelly beans).  He was a true believer in Christ our Lord.
He is preceded in death by parents Henry and Maude Gravatt, and brother Lloyd Gravatt. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Irene Gravatt of Arlington, TX; brother, Charles Gravatt and wife Julie Gravatt of Saint Louis, Missouri; daughter, Donna Johnson and husband John T. Johnson III of Arlington, TX; son Dennis Gravatt and wife Karen of Saint Louis, Missouri; son Phillip Gravatt and wife Paula of Claremore, Oklahoma. Grandchildren include John Thomas Johnson IV and wife Geri of Athens, Alabama; Ashlee Blackwell and husband Tyler of Arlington, TX; Stephanie Strong of Grand Prairie, TX; Nicole Gray and husband Casey of Grand Prairie, TX; Great-Grandchildren include John Thomas Johnson V of Athens, AL; Wesley Strong II of Mayo, FL; Samuel and Eli Blackwell of Arlington, TX; Colette Gray of Grand Prairie, TX.
Interment will be held on September 20, 2018 at Lamar Baptist Church.  Visitation from 12:00-1:00pm, service to follow: Lamar Baptist Church  1000 W Lamar Blvd, Arlington, TX 76012

Burial will be held at:  Emerald Hills Memorial Park 500 Sublett Road Kennedale, TX 76060

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Lamar Baptist Church Sound Ministry. Link to donate: https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=93656  Thank you for your donation