Charles Frank Gray was born August 5, 1952, in San Saba, Texas. He died in his home in Ester, Alaska, on June 28, 2023. Charlie was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Lee McLerran; his father, James Don Gray; and two sons, James Don Gray and Nicholas Garrett Gray. He is survived by his son, Charles Daniel Gray; wife, Jamie; and grandchildren, Maeli and Gus of West Richland, Washington. He is also survived by sister, Lynda and husband Michael Randolph; and sister, Jimma and husband John Byrd; along with sister, Tonya Gray; three nephews; and one niece.
Charlie was an adventurer and an outdoorsman. He was a football player and high school track star. He won state in the 100-yard dash. He attended Howard Payne and Texas State University on a track scholarship. His early life was spent tending cattle while growing up on the family ranch west of Cherokee. Charlie loved reading, playing guitar, gardening, listening to music and fishing. He loved flying. He had a pilot’s license and owned a plane for a few years. Mexico held a special place in Charlie’s heart. He was always trying to improve his Spanish and had many tales from his time spent down south.
Charlie owned Modoc Drilling Company in northern California where he drilled water wells for a number of years. For over 30 years, he made his home in Alaska where he worked as a driller for Red Dog Mine until his retirement in 2017. He loved fishing, camping and running the rivers of Alaska. He treasured his time with his grandchildren and family after retirement.
Charlie was a special character who spread happiness to those around him. He loved a laugh, a song and a story. He was compassionate to others and supported the Fairbanks Community Food Bank. Donations may be made to that organization. There will be a memorial service at a later time. Charlie will be missed greatly by those whose life he touched.