Charles L. "Charley" Graves, Jr., was born March 1, 1916, in Louisville, Kentucky. He received a B.A. in Civil Engineering from the University of Louisville in 1938 and a Masters of Engineering degree from the University of Louisville in 1974. After graduation Graves worked in bridge, highway, and plant construction until he joined J. Ray McDermott & Company, Inc. as a Field Project Engineer in 1946. Graves became assistant Vice President of the company in 1951, Vice President in 1955, Director in 1961, Executive Vice President in 1964, President and C.E.O. in 1972, and Chairman of the Board, President, and C.E.O. in 1974. In December 1978 McDermott & Company pleaded guilty to and paid fines for conspiring to rig bids and fix prices in the offshore construction industry. Graves resigned as Chairman of the Board and C.E.O. in March 1979. Graves married Isabelle "Suzie" Ruigol on October 29, 1938. Graves owned Shamrock Plantation, just outside Woodville, Mississippi, where he raised Tennessee Walking Horses. He served as a Director of the Whitney National Bank and the International Trade Mart in New Orleans and was an active member of the Metairie Country Club, the Plimsoll Club of New Orleans, International House of New Orleans, and the Houston Club. He died on July 6, 1983.
From the description of Charles Leonidas Graves, Jr. papers, 1933-1987, bulk 1972-1983. (Xavier University of Louisiana). WorldCat record id: 40760732
