Charles Lester Gray

Charles Lester Gray, age 84, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend was born December 19, 1925 in West Virginia. He later moved to Dayton, Ohio where he graduated from Dunbar High School. He was honorably discharged from the United States Navy and Air Force. He retired from two full time jobs; the Defense Construction Supply Center (DCSC) and Nationwide Insurance Co. He was a faithful member and Deacon of Columbus Bible Way Church for 40 plus years and a faithful Bible Teacher at Ridgeway Nursing Home for almost 30 years. He was known to whistle and sing as he went about his various duties in the church and in his home. Mr. Gray received many commendations and certificates for his faithfulness in his church, on his job, and as a volunteer. He was known to greet you with a “Praise the Lord” and “God Bless You” when he spoke to you. Mr. Gray loved his wife Ruby of 51 years and took excellent care of her. She affectionately many times would call him Charley. He always supported his children and grandchildren in their various activities and events. Mr. Gray drove the church van to pick up children for Sunday School and Jets For Jesus Bible Club for many many years up until the age of 83 when illness caused him to resign. If we were to give Mr. Gray a nickname, it would be “Mr. Dependable” because you could always count on him. He departed this life on Saturday, December 4, 2010 and was preceded in death by his parents McCoy and Mary Gray, sisters Vanessa and Evelyn, and brothers McCoy and Herbert Gray. Survived by his beloved and faithful wife, Ruby; his children, Henry Tucker, III, Norma Jean (Robert) Menafee, David (DeVonne) Tucker, Grace M. (James) Blue, Jan Juan Tucker, and foster son Jerome Reeves; sisters-in law Linnie Wright and Mary Gray; grandchildren, April (Ron) Small, Stephanie (Royce) Johnson, Robert (Pamela) Menafee, Tanya Johnson, Brittany Tucker, Patricia (Brian) Brown, Dale (Tammie) Tucker, Angelene Blue, Darnell Tucker, DaVona (Eric) Hollie, James Blue III, and Grace V. Blue; 18 great grandchildren, nephew Freddie Washington, and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends. Homegoing Celebration 12 noon, Thursday, December 9, 2010 at Columbus Bible Way Church, 2660 Rhoads Ave., where the family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the start of service. Dr. William Talley III, officiating. Interment Glen Rest Memorial Estate.