Charles Gray

Rev. Charles Gray, age 86, of Knoxville, was born May 29, 1929 and went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Sunday, April 17, 2016. He was a member of Clear Springs Baptist Church in Corryton. Charles was called into the ministry at the age of 18 and pastored at various churches in Knox and Anderson counties. His preaching career spanned 68 years in which he touched the lives of countless people. He was a kind and caring person and a true champion for Christ. Charles loved to share the Gospel message at every opportunity and to minister to those in need. Charles was also so proud of his family and carried wallet size photos to prove it. He retired from the US Postal Service in 1987 after 32 years of service as a Mail Carrier. After retiring, Charles took up the game of golf, which he truly enjoyed, but often questioned why he would choose such an aggravating game. Preceded in death by loving wife of 64 years 7 months and 14 days Emma Bright Gray; parents Charles Webster Gray and Martha Wright Gray; brothers Jesse E., Joseph M., Walter C., Otis E. and Millard C. Gray; sisters, Ella Mae Gray, Trula Dunsmore, Marie Shell, Louise Nelson, Hattie Mynatt and Verdia Demarcus. Survived by children Charles Michael and wife Ann Gray of Charlottesville, VA, Phyllis Ann and husband Frank Owens of Knoxville; grandchildren Ashley Gray and husband Alexis Assemat of Charlotte, NC, Hannah Gray of Arlington, VA, Juston and wife Melissa Owens of Knoxville; sister Mary King; and several nieces, nephews and extended family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Tennessee. The family wishes to express thanks for the many prayers, cards, and calls of encouragement during his illness. Also we would like to express our gratitude to Tennova In Home Hospice nursing staff and Hospice facility staff who lovingly cared for Poppie/Gramps during his time of sickness. Funeral service 11am Saturday at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel, Rev. Jerry Vittatoe and Rev. Dr. Tommy Louthan officiating. Family and friends will then proceed to Ft. Sumter Community Cemetery for interment service. Serving as pallbearers will be Jack Berney, Mike Farrington, Bob Holbert, Denny Hutchison, Morgan Parrott and Larry Severs. Family will receive friends 5-8PM Friday at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel.