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"Hi, my name is Brooke Gray and I am the youngest daughter of Charles Gray (also known as CJ or Charlie). It is with sadness that I am sharing that Charles Gray passed away peacefully on Tuesday August 13, 2019. Charles was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. We are having a formal celebration ceremony of his life which is planned as follows at the Acheson and Graham Garden of Prayer located at 7944 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504 The Visitation is scheduled from 6:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, August 22, 2019 The Memorial Service Celebration is scheduled at 10:00 am Friday August 23, 2019 The burial service will immediately follow and will be conducted at 12:00 pm at the Riverside National Cemetery located at 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside 92518 with instructions as follows: (1) Please arrive 15-20 minutes early (2) After entering the gate of the cemetery go to the left and check in at the kiosk for directions for the location of the staging area. (3) Upon arrival of all parties at the staging area, we will all be guided to the gravesite for the participation in the Military Honor of the 21-gun salute in honor of Charlie’s service to his country Finally, we are organizing a repast for friends and families to share food and friendship immediately after the burial at a venue to be shared later. We are hoping to get an estimated headcount for the caterer and would appreciate knowing if you plan to attend this part of the celebration by contacting Korie Telfare via text at (818) 823-5277 or email at KLTELFARE@Gmail.com by end of day, Sunday August 18th. Please feel free to reach out to me, Korie or other family members should you have any questions."
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Christine Shaver (Beresky) (1967)
I did not know Charlie personally but I remember him as a charismatic, friendly, guy who was also one of our star atheletes. Brook I am sorry for you and your families loss. I am sure he will be dearly missed. Thanks for letting his schoolmates know of his pacing. I will pray for him. Tina (Shaver) Beresky Class of '67
Jim Scott (1968)
My condolences and I'm sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. I played on the football team with him and always admired his abilities. He was well liked by all and I'm certain your family will miss him.
David Huff (1967)
Sad news, Charlie was a good friend.
He'll be missed.
My sympathies to his family.
Dave Huff
Ralph Von Ossko (1968)
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Charley. He was always one of the most popular guys at Alessandro Jr High and MVHS. Everyone knew Charley even if he didn't know you! Charley was a superior athlete and a very fair guy.
Our harts go out to his family & loved ones.
Ralph Von Ossko
class of 68
Wendy Julian (Webb) (1967)
Ditto that, Ralph. We all loved Charlie.
Chris Braden (1967)
This is Chris Braden, although I did not graduate from MVHS in the Class of 1967 (I was class of 1967 at Norte Vista), I attended MVHS, Alessandro Jr High and Edgemont School with Charley. I knew most of the class of 1967 and many from other classes. Charley was a good friend of mine during those years. Although I lost contact with Charley soon after joining the Air Force in fall 1967, we did reconnect a few times after, but then lost contact again. Last time I saw Charley was at the Class of 1967 45th Reunion at the Queen Marry in Long Beach in 2012. But I did speak with him about 3-4 years ago; which was, sadly, the last time.
At Edgemont School, he and I were on the same baseball team in intermural sports (including flag football and softball). I remember Mr. Cronin disciplining both Charley and me for accidently throwing the bat after hitting the ball while playing softball).
Charley was also a Scout Leader for Troop 93. The old scout house is now the Box Springs Water Company at the corner of Cottonwood and Edgemont Streets. We had a jamorbee at Lake Arrowhead either in 1961 or 1962. Charley was a scout leader for our group. We went "snipe hunting" which I won't go in detail as to what that entailed. It basically was a form of hazing for new Tenderfood scouts with was basically just harmless fun. I think the next summer our troop went to Hurkey Creek. Charley once inspected my uniform at a scout meeting in Edgemont. Our neckerchiefs were triangular shaped and at the bottom (at the back of your neck) was inscribed "BSA" (Boy Scouts of America)" if worn properly, but if the neckerchief was worn backwards, he would ask the violating scout if he was an "African Sea Buzzard" (BSA read backwards as ASB). I may be mistaken, but I believe (but don't quote me) that Charley played baseball with one of the Little League teams of the time (the "Flyers", "Spuds", or "Aces") -- but I don't remember it very clearly because it's nearly 60 years ago.
I remember Charley very well. He was charismatic, humerous and friendly; but he was also serious when he needed to be. He was a great friend of mine. He will be missed. I will pay my respects at his final resting place at Riverside National Cemetery when I visit the area again soon.