Charles Earnest Gray, Jr.

Charles E. Gray, Jr., age 89, died on September 5, 2023.  Charlie was born in Hopewell, Virginia, the son of Charles and "Jennie" Gray.  He completed high school in 1952 and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1956 as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Charlie completed his service with the USAF while being stationed in Germany for three years.  Upon his return, Charlie prospered at Ford Motor Company both as Drag Racing and Stock Car (NASCAR) Racing Coordinator for many years.  His dedication and hard work helped bring Ford many victories on race day.  During his later working career, Charlie honed his flying skills piloting various aircraft from sea planes to business jets, logging over 12,000 hours in total.  He ended his long working life as a Captain at Corporate Flight of Pontiac, Michigan.

Charlie's favorite pastimes were fly fishing and travel.  He combined both with many excursions to Yellowstone Park, Alaska, British Columbia, Florida, and Northern Michigan in the company of cherished friends and family.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, wife Nancy, and beloved cat Frankie.  He is survived by his daughter, Adele Lockwood, Son-in-law Jim Lockwood, Laura Lockwood, and many other relatives, friends, and in-laws.  He loved the freedom of the open road and the open sky.  He loved the peace of fly-fishing in beautiful surroundings.  He is now free and at peace.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute for Environmental Education in Hastings, Michigan.

Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .