Charles Bernard Gray was born December 13, 1934, in Miami Florida.  The only child of Russell and Dorothy Gray, he was raised in a home full of love and deep devotion to Christ.  He met his first love at a young age, the love of flight.  Aviation became the first twinkle in his eye and he immersed himself in it, building and flying all types of model aircraft.  In 1951 at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, was trained in aircraft maintenance and was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miami in Opa Locka, Florida, maintaining a squadron of C-119 Flying Boxcars.

It was during his service as a Marine that he proposed to the love of his life, Betty Ann Gray.  The two were married in 1955 and were devoted to each other for 66 years, parted only by death.  Charles and Betty built a wonderful life together and in 1956, Charlie became "Daddy" with the birth of their first child, daughter Charlann.  Soon came the arrival of their second daughter, Jeannine, in 1961, and finally their son, Marshall, in 1963.  As a young father Charlie served as a Fireman for the City of Miami, and later worked for Orange Blossom Hobbies in Miami, moonlighting as a SCUBA diver catching tropical fish for Miami Seaquarium.

He had just entered his 30's when Charlie made a bold decision to professionally pursue his lifelong dream of flight.  In 1966 he walked into an interview with Eastern Airlines and told the interviewer that he would "like to fly one of those big jets!"  He was hired on the spot and thus began his beloved career as an Eastern Airlines Pilot- a great adventure that would span 25 years and take him to countless points across the globe.  He flew every aircraft in Eastern's fleet, progressing through the ranks and becoming Captain Gray.

When he wasn't flying those "big jets", Charlie worked as a General Contractor building homes and other structures throughout South and Central Florida, including 5 houses for his own family.  Charlie also became involved in building experimental aircraft, constructing 15 flying machines and collaborating on many more, establishing himself as a true pioneer and expert in the field of Experimental Aircraft.

In June of 1978 Charlie became "Popi" as the grandkids began to pop out; first Joshua, then Landon, Chloe, and finally Emily.  Charlie would be known as Popi from that point on, as he became mentor and hero to his grandchildren.  The day after his birthday in 2004, Popi became a Great-Grandfather with the birth of his first great-grandchild, Owen (Joshua).  Noah (Joshua) followed a few years later and then handsome Brayden (Chloe) and beautiful Everly (Emily).

Popi was a living, breathing repository of knowledge, skill, character, and compassion and he modeled these traits of true leadership for all to see.  In his later years, he shared his love of aviation within his community, teaching schoolchildren to build and fly balsa wood gliders.  He was an active member and Vice President of the Indian River Kontrol Society model airplane club and his local chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association.

Popi's leadership and hard work brought accomplishments and accolades too numerous to list here.  But perhaps his most inspirational traits are the three which he will be remembered most by: love, positivity, and the "great secret".  His undying love and devotion to his family was evidenced by his tireless work ethic and ever present participation in our lives.  He taught us to work hard, to play hard, and to always make time for those we love.  His eternally positive attitude meant that every problem could be fixed; he always answered the phone with a cheerful "Good morning!" or "Happy Easter!", and all the way to the very end he was always feeling "Superb!".  And that great secret, well, he discovered that the secret to a long and happy marriage is simple: Always, always, always get in the last word....Yes Ma'am.

Our Popi passed away peacefully in his sleep in his 86th year, at home under hospice care.  He will be greatly missed, and he will always be the standard to which this family measures true greatness.  As Christ was his Savior, we look with hope and joy toward our heavenly reunion with him.

Charles will be laid to rest with honors in a private ceremony at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida.  He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty "Noni" Gray, his children Charlann (Ken), Jeannine (Tim), Marshall (Dona); grandchildren Joshua (Sara), Landon (Amber), Chloe (Rob), Emily (Nick), and great-grandchildren Owen, Noah, Brayden, and Everly.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Dorothy Gray, who are rejoicing with their son in paradise.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Tunnel to Towers Foundation. With many in our family representing the military and first responders, this organization assists families of fallen heroes. Their website is t2t.org and any donation is greatly appreciated.