During his three terms in office, he worked to establish a Youth Advisory Board and improve city infrastructure.
He played a key role in the opening of the Von D. Mizell Community Center in Fort Lauderdale's historically black Dorsey-Riverbend neighborhood.
After leaving office, DeGraffenreidt continued to serve on the city's Parks, Recreation, and Beaches Advisory Board.
He was active with the United Way, Northwest Boys Club Advisory Board, Broward County Charter Commission Municipal Government Task Force, and served as an adviser to the Miami Herald's "Newspapers in Education" program.
His oldest daughter, Fredi Grace Mitchell, is a school guidance counselor in Atlanta, Georgia.