Charles R. Gray was born on February 22, 1948, to Robert and Connie (Bestgen) Gray in Rapid City, SD. He passed away at the Gary Lippold Hospice House in Sturgis on March 10, 2026, from Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's disease. He spent the first six years of his life on the family ranch in Hereford, SD, before moving to Sturgis. The early escapades with his brother Dave on the ranch laid the foundation for a life centered on family, friendship, and camaraderie. After moving to town, Charlie attended St. Martin's Catholic School through the eighth grade and graduated from Sturgis Brown High School in 1966.

After high school, Charlie joined the South Dakota National Guard. Later, he spent four years as a deputy sheriff under John Egger before taking a permanent position with the Guard. In 1974, he found an enthusiastic and supportive partner in Cynthia Bonin, and together they had three children: Elizabeth, Becca, and Robert. Charlie was an admired leader throughout his career, holding numerous positions, most notably as the 109th Engineer Battalion Commander, Recruiting and Retention Commander, and COS-SDARNG Chief of Staff. He retired in 2008 as the United States Property and Fiscal Officer.

In retirement, Charlie filled his days with travel, family, and fun. Once a wrestler, but forever a Scooper, he could often be found in the stands supporting his kids, grandkids, and many friends and community members. Their home was always open and never empty of friends or pets that Cindy brought home.

He was proud of his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, his country, and his community. He valued honesty and helping others. While he was never quite a full-fledged cowboy, he had a cowboy heart. He tried a few bucking broncs in his younger years but was far more dedicated to an annual brand, a winning Calcutta, and the Cowboy Channel.

Charlie enjoyed a game of cards and a hot slot machine, but more than anything, he cherished the conversations that came with them. If you were nearby, you would see his ruddy cheeks glow, his eyes squint in laughter, and a giggle dance out.

His legacy of love was grown from generations before him, nurtured, and passed on, blooming in even his tiniest great-grandchildren. What a gift it was to share his life.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Ann Gray (Bonin) of Sturgis; children Elizabeth (Brian) Johnson of Shalimar Florida; Rebecca (Brian) Smith of Union Center, SD; Robert Gray of Sturgis, SD; grandchildren Brody (Lilly), Camry, and Jerzy Johnson; Emily Gray-Smith (Wesley Folsom), Kanin, and Jasper Smith; and great-grandchildren Lovelynn and bonus granddaughter Brinxley. He is also survived by sisters Mary (Joel) Neugebauer and Annie (Vance) Valdez; brother-in-law, Eddie Burrel; sister-in-law, Julie Gray, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Connie Gray; his brothers David, Richard, and Mark Gray; and his sisters-in-law Sherry Burrel and Chris Gray.

Charlie requested that his memorial contributions support the Sturgis Scooper Wrestling program or any organization of your choosing.