Charles S. Gray

Charles S. Gray, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many, passed away June 10, 2014. Charlie was 82 years young and lived with his wife, Bettye Avra Gray in Hot Springs, Ark. Born in North Little Rock, Ark., February 1, 1932. He was preceded in death by parents, Ernest and Issie Gray; brother and sister-in-law, Ernest and Jan Gray; brother-in-law, Bobby Hannon, Sr. and beloved granddaughter, Avra Johnson Ramsay. He was a graduate of North Little Rock High School and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy. After attending High School, he received a baseball scholarship to Arkansas State University but chose to sign with the Philadelphia Phillies Major League Baseball team. He then served in the U.S. Air Force in the Korean War. After working for a major pharmaceutical manufacturer, he opened and ran Fordyce Drug Store in Fordyce, Ark for over 35 years and was a friend and confidant to many. Charlie attended the First Baptist Church of Hot Springs and was a member of Irwin Sunday School Class. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge #380 in Hot Springs and the American Legion. His high school sweetheart and wife, Bettye, survive him. She and Charlie were married for nearly 64 years. Their family includes a son and daughter-in-law, Dick and Terri Gray of Houston, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Vicki Gray of North Little Rock, Ark; daughter and future son-in-law, Janice Gray and Stephen Carter of Houston, TX; son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Diana Gray, Mayflower, Ark; along with six grandchildren, Annie Johnson Casanova, Chelsea Speaks, Ali Gray, Andrew Gray, Chaz Gray and Keeley Gray and four great grandchildren, Carter, Baxleigh, Azur and Grayden; sister-in-law, Janice Hannon and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ernest and Jo Avra, along with many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 12, 2014, and the service will be 10 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2014, at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home in Hot Springs. Service will be officiated by Dr. John McCallum. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Hot Springs Building Fund. Guests may register at www.caruth-hale.com.