Rev. Charles Gray, 69, was ushered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 25, 2022. He was born on January 12, 1953, one of five children (Lucille, Johnny, Geraldine and Darlene) into the family of Jonas "Sug" and Beatrice Gray of Richlands. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Brenda, and his dear sister Darlene. The Grays were a family known throughout the community by their strong love for not only each other but also others they adopted into their family. The foundation laid during his childhood by his parents sprouted into a legacy of love that impacted numerous lives during his ministry.
He met the love of his life, Brenda Miller Gray, at a young age and they were married in 1970. God blessed them with two children, Mary Elizabeth Gray Taylor and Charles Anthony Gray and gifted them with a son-in-law, Jeffrey Taylor, and a daughter-in-law, Lu Gray. He became a doting Papa to six precious grandchildren, Mattie Hope Swinson, Savannah Faith Swinson, Bryson Lee Gray, Zoey Olivia Taylor, Zackrey Lee Taylor and Brantley Levi Gray. Some of his happiest days were spent relishing this role and playing ball in the backyard, cheering on the Wolfpack, going on bike rides and golf cart rides, seeking out tractor or combine rides, going fishing, watching the kids play ball or dance and gardening alongside them with his wife. He and his wife remained united in love making these memories until God called Brenda home in 2019.
He was a man of many talents and over the course of his life he was a master carpenter, plumber, electrician, HVAC technician and he worked on the family farm with his brother Johnny. During this period, he was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing with his close family and friends. Their stories of these escapades have become legendary and have been shared with a lot of laughter around the dinner table often throughout the years. In 1988, he answered God's call on his life and found his great purpose. He quickly earned his ordination and began pastoring. He served others faithfully and preached the Word of God without apology for 29 years. He then transitioned to a Hospice Chaplain after his wife passed from cancer to help others who were walking in similar valleys. He was a man of deep convictions, a man of integrity and strength. While he never desired praise here on earth, there will be those in heaven to greet him who are there because of his work for the Lord and the countless sacrifices he made throughout those years.
He will be greatly missed by his children, grandchildren, siblings and the many special nieces and nephews he adored so much. His hands tell the story of a life well-lived. They tell the story of hard work and love. They are hands that have held others up when they couldn't stand themselves and hands that have folded in prayer beside his bed each and every night to talk with his Lord. We will never forget all of the strength and tenderness in those hands. He was an anchor in the time of storm and the voice of reason for so many. This will not be the end of his story, because the memories and influence of his life on others will remain forever.

All services are private.

The family will receive friends and family at his home.

Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Gray Family.