"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7)

On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Dr. Charles E. Gray, having completed his mission here on earth, slept peacefully away into God's arms. Just the day before his departure, he spoke of "going home" where he knew he would hear the voice of God saying "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Dr. Gray was born on March 31, 1943 in Greenville, NC.  He was educated in the public schools and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Fayetteville State University. He received his Master and Doctorate degrees from Andersonville Theological Seminary in Camilla, GA, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

Dr. Gray moved to Winston-Salem, NC in 1972, where he united with St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Joseph R. Samuels.  In 1978, he accepted the calling from God to deliver His Word and on January 11, 1979, he preached his first sermon.  Dr. Gray was called to be the Pastor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church April 7, 1979 and was installed on Sunday, November 4, 1979.

Dr. Charles E. Gray was preceded in death by his parents, Browning (Beatrice) Gray; son, Andre' Charles Gray; two brothers and three sisters.

Left to celebrate his memory is a devoted, loving wife of 60 years, Eula Mae Harlee Gray; son, Michael Edward Gray; bonus daughter, Areletha Gray; grandson and his name sake, Charles Michael (Keyshia) Gray; granddaughter, ChauDre' Essence London Gray; great-granddaughters, Eliana Joy Gray and Elise Tamar Gray; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Dr. Gray and the C. E. Gray Mass Choir produced two gospel tapes, "Let God Be God" and "Magnify Him."  He produced two powerful plays, "Let God Be God I & II" (written by his son, Michael Gray).  In addition to producing those two plays, Dr. Gray also wrote and composed two additional plays, titled "Order My Steps" and "The Upper Room to Calvary."

On July 5, 2005, the City Council of Winston-Salem honored Dr. Gray for his outstanding work in the community by renaming Belews Street, C. E. Gray Drive. Mount Olive Baptist Church sits on C. E. Gray Drive.

Dr. Gray was dedicated to serving the needs of the people and demonstrated his commitment and support through the following community partners: the local NAACP, YMCA, YWCA, Crisis Control, Samaritan Soup Kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, Winston-Salem Rescue Mission, and the Salvation Army.

Globally, Dr. Gray supported the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Feed the Children, Smile Train, and International Fellowship of Christians and Jews

He was also recognized as an honorary member of the African American Veterans Association.

Dr. Gray loved God, loved the Word of God, loved sharing the Word of God and had a heart and deep passion for using God's Word to win souls.  He was indeed a servant of the Lord who lived a life of service and was not ashamed to share his testimony about the goodness, mercy and amazing grace that flowed from his heavenly Father.

Dr. Charles Edward Gray completed his mission here on earth and heard God say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, August 9, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church.  Interment will follow in Gardens of Memory, Walkertown, NC. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 1:00pm on Saturday at the Church.