Charles "Chuck" L. Gray

Charles "Chuck" Gray, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at the age of 93, surrounded by his loved ones. Born on September 26, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, to Hadsell and Helen (Ely) Gray, he graduated from Cass Tech High School, where he was involved in the ROTC program and served as president of the math club. He graduated from Wayne (State) University with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering.

After graduating, Chuck served in the Navy from 1955 and retired in 1978 as a full Commander in the United States Naval Reserves. He often spoke of his time stationed in Guam and Washington, D.C., where he spent part of his active duty. During his twenty-three years of service, he held the positions of instructor, Administrative Officer, Executive Officer, and Commanding Officer of a Navy Reserve Division. In addition to that command, he was an instructor for a Naval Reserve Officers School unit and a Senior Advisor to three other Reserve units.

Outside of his military service, Chuck was an engineer of Water Systems, heading the Engineering Support Section of the Water & Sewerage Department of the City of Detroit, Michigan. He also sat on the Executive Board of the Rouge River Watershed Council as a representative of the City of Detroit. He retired in 1990.

In June 1961, he married the love of his life, Lenore "Kay" Gray (Morse), and they were blessed a year later by the first of their three children: Debra, followed by Allen and Carol. He is fondly remembered for teaching his love of nature and camping and sharing his strong Christian faith with his family.

Over his lifetime, he served his faith as an elder, usher, and choir member. He also volunteered in numerous organizations, including the Boy Scouts, and donated over five gallons of blood to the Red Cross throughout his life.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Lenore "Kay" Gray; his children, Debra (Gray) Rusz and Rick Rusz, Allen Gray and Melissa (Laskowski) Gray, and Carol (Gray) Phillips and Scott Phillips; as well as his grandchildren, Robert Rusz, Nathan Rusz, Emily Gotz (Gray), Sarah Gray (fiancée Ben Waun), Brendan Phillips, Gavin Phillips, Gwen Phillips (partner Zack Hildebrant); and great-grandchild, Liam Gotz; along with Chuck’s cat, Smokey. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hadsell and Helen; his brother, Don; and his beloved pets: dogs, Toby I and II, Cinder, and Curly; and cat, Tigger, along with his appendix and front teeth, about which he often told stories.

As an expression of hope and joy in Jesus, the family is asking guests to wear joyful colors.

A visitation for Chuck will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Chapel, 1730 E Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823. A celebration of Chuck's life will take place on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 10:00 AM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 5589 Van Atta Rd., Haslett, MI 48840. Chuck will be laid to rest with full military honors on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI 48442.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to either St. Luke Lutheran Church or Wounded Warrior Project in Charles Gray’s name.