Clarence Curtis Gravett Jr.

A Celebration of Life

Clarence Curtis Gravett Jr., aka Curtis, was called to be with the Lord on June 17, 2018. His work here is done. He was 84 years old and passed away at his residence in Rolling Hills Estates, CA surrounded by his family.

He was born June 1, 1934 in Little Rock Arkansas to Clarence Curtis Gravett Sr. and Alice Mae Garrison. After migrating to Wilimington California in 1940, the family finally settled in San Pedro, California.

Curtis was a 1953 graduate of San Pedro High School where he was a member of the 1952 City Championship Basketball team, they never lost a game. He earned the nickname "Goose" because he played like the legendary basketball player Goose Tatum. He went on to attend L. A. Harbor College where he was also a member of the basketball team and earned his AA degree. It was during his time at college that he met the love of his life Barbara Ann Galloway. The two would later marry, and have three children. After college Curtis was drafted into the United States Army. He was assigned to the Army Core of Engineers where he served two years before receiving a full Honorable discharge. In 1969 Curtis was hired as a Marine Clerk for the International Longshore Workers Union, ILWU. He was among the first 22 African Americans hired on the waterfront and eventually rose to the level of Chief Supervisor. Curtis would go on to work 38 years before retiring.

Curtis loved life. He was a mentor, coach, and role model not only to his children but to many of the youth in San Pedro and later Rolling Hills. He volunteered his time for many years at the San Pedro Boys club teaching basketball and coaching numerous teams. Some of his favorite outings were with his children attending Laker games, UCLA basketball games, and USC football games. He enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, the Bahamas, Jamaica, and Maui. One of his greatest joys was the simplicity of listening to jazz and spending time with his grandchildren.

Curtis leaves to cherish his memory a beloved wife of 58 years Barbara Ann Gravett, his three children Clarence Curtis Gravett III (wife Evelyn), Jacques Gravett (wife Nicole Michelle), Nicole Gravett-Straw (husband Kevin Straw). His five grandchildren, Matthew Gravett, Paris Gravett, Cade Gravett, Sofia Straw, and Cara Straw. Six brothers Phillip Gravett (Dortha), William Gravett (Rosemary), Leon Gravett (Vern), Peter Gravett (Blanche), Harry Gravett (Elizabeth), Melvin Gravett (Barbara). Two sisters Alice Simpson and Gloria Williams. He was preceded in death by his parents Clarence Curtis Gravett Sr. & Alice Mae Garrison along with two of his brothers Charles and Darnell Gravett.

We honor the memory and spirit of Clarence Curtis Gravett Jr.