Ronald Eugene "Gene" Graw

02/18/1955 - 11/13/2025

“Gene” Graw, actual name was Ronald Eugene, passed away at the age of 70 on
Thursday Nov. 13, 2025 in Shelbyville, KY. He was preceded in death by his mother
Doris Jean Strickland, father James Herman Graw, an older brother James Franklin
“Frankie” Graw, and a nephew B J Graw.

He is survived by his brother Roger Graw (Ellen) of St. Marys, GA, his step-father
Farley Strickland of Blackshear, GA, an aunt Joyce Brooks of Kingsland, GA, nieces
Shereen Hamby (Perry) of Theodore, Alabama, Amanda Graw (Seth) of St. Marys,
nephew Josh Graw (Kim) of Kingsland, GA, sister-in-law Christy Graw of Hinesville,
many great nephews & nieces, and cousins, and many close relatives and friends that
felt like family.

Gene was born in Fernandina Beach, FL on February 18 th , 1955 to James and Doris
Graw. They lived in the little paper mill town of St. Marys, Georgia. Some of the fondest
memories were growing up living in the old Casey House. Major Moore creek was only
a short walk and the views towards Cumberland and Fernandina were amazing.
To say Gene was a “River Rat” was an understatement. Swimming and fishing in the St.
Marys River, Major Moore Creek, Crooked River, and anywhere else there was water
was a huge part of his life. The saying we had in the family was “when no one could
catch fish, Gene would catch fish” and that was SO true. One of his absolute favorite
things were oysters and there was no better reason to have an oyster roast and a party.
Gene’s free spirit led him to several careers. He worked on shrimp boats all up and
down the coast of Florida, traveled with a carnival for several years, and worked in
construction most of his life. He could build pretty much anything.

Gene had many hobbies. He loved gardening and canning his own vegetables. Gene
must have gotten his green-thumb from Mama because he could grow anything. He
loved collecting old bottles and probing for bottles in the marsh. He owned many pets
over the years including the famous rattle snake that he rode around town with, other
snakes, a ferret, racoons, dogs, iguanas, and who knows what else. For his last few
years, he made some very interesting walking/hiking sticks that everyone raved about.

Gene left St. Marys and moved to Kentucky in the early to mid 90’s. He adapted to the
cold weather and lived up there for over 30 years surrounded by a wonderful group of
friends. He lived on a farm for many years and continued to grow his famous tomatoes
with vines taller than the roof and earning his picture and a write-up in the local
newspaper.

Gene loved life and always lived it to the fullest. He was fun, would do anything for you,
and everyone loved Gene. So many awesome memories and “Gene stories”. He will be
missed.

At this time, there is no service planned, but may have one at a future date.