Charles Gray

Charles D. Gray Sr., 75, was born October 8, 1936 in Bessemer, AL to the union of the late Ollie Gray Sr. and Georgia Merriweather Gray. He was the seventh of eight children. He was raised in a very close and loving family in which he showed kindness to all whom he met. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at a young child and always put God first. He was an encourager and a very understanding, giving, and compassionate person. He was married on April 29, 1961 to Ethel Williams Gray, the love of his life, whom he always called "His Bride." They were married for 51 glorious years. To this union three children were born: Charles D. Gray Jr., Karen Price, and Annette Wright. He was a member of Beulah Baptist Church in Poughkeepsie, NY where he served as a faithful deacon, Building Fund Committee member, and a lifetime member of the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference). After moving to Hueytown, AL, Charles joined First Baptist Church in Hueytown where he also served as deacon and chairman of the Deacon Board for fifteen years. He was an active member of the Golden Glories, a ministry for senior citizens. He was well known in church for being well-dressed in his suits. His favorite song was "I Won't Complain", and his favorite hymn was "Let the Church Say Amen" (old version). He graduated from Westfield High School in Westfield, AL. He graduated from Boces Technical College and Dutchess Community College with a major in HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning). He was employed with IBM as a plant engineer in Poughkeepsie, NY, where he retired in 2001 with 26 years of dedicated service. His hobbies were spending time with his family, fishing, boating, listening to gospel music, and traveling. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ethel Gray; a son, Charles Gray Jr.; three daughters: Vickie L. Wilson, Karen Price (Mark), Annette Wright (Bruce); granddaughter, Cyresa Price; grandsons: Dakarl Gray, Mark Price (Bo), Dion Jacobs, Bruce Wright, and Eric Wright; two great grandsons: Isaiah and Elijah Price; sisters: Ruby Gray Phillips, Georgia Gray Hampton, Lartharee Gray Jones (James); brother, Elder Joseph Hall (Gloria); Sister-in-law, Geneva Gray, many nieces and nephews who loved Uncle "Don" and a special friend, Bill Gannon known as "Main Man;" and Friend, mentor, and former pastor, Rev. Jesse V. Bottoms, Jr.