For the remainder of World War II, PC-1264 conducted patrols and escort missions along the east coast of the U.S. and south to the Caribbean.

He married schoolteacher Alma Bernice Clark later that year; the couple went on to raise three children, Robert, David, and Tracey.

He returned to his hometown of Richmond and re-enrolled at Virginia Union University, graduating in 1948 with a degree in history and then working as a railway postal clerk.

[2][3] Gravely was recalled to active duty in 1949 and worked as a recruiter in Washington, D.C., before holding both shore and sea assignments during the Korean War.

[2] At the time of his promotion to rear admiral, he was in command of the guided missile frigate USS Jouett (DLG-29).

From 1976 to 1978, he commanded the Third Fleet based in Hawaii, then transferred to Virginia to direct the Defense Communications Agency until his retirement in 1980.

After suffering a stroke,[2] Gravely died at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, on October 22, 2004.

An essay competition for U.S. History high school students that explores VADM Gravely's motto — “Education, Motivation, Perseverance” — is affiliated with the annual event.