Obituary for Charles Wade Gray
Charles Wade Gray, a beloved longtime resident of Greer County, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, at Mangum Skilled Nursing and Therapy in Mangum, Oklahoma.
Born on October 20, 1941, in Goree, Texas, Charles was the cherished son of James Avenue Grey and Naomi Reesce Grey. He spent his childhood near Ada and Colgate, Oklahoma, before his family moved to Southwest Oklahoma when he was around nine years old. His father relocated to the area to work at the Oklahoma Reformatory, and the family lived in various towns, including Tupelo Plainview, Granite, and eventually Mangum, Oklahoma.
Wade, as he was known, was a simple man who found joy in the small things in life. He was charismatic, loving, and had a wonderful sense of humor that brightened the lives of everyone around him. Wade had a deep love for cars and spent many hours helping his father with yard work in the Mangum and Granite areas. He cherished his Saturday nights, watching the "Hee Haw" specials on Channel 11, and had an unwavering passion for classic country music. Artists like Earnest Tubb, Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, and Willie Nelson held a special place in his heart, and he loved listening to their songs whenever he could.
Wade had a special fondness for simple comforts-blankets, coffee, and a good radio. One of his fondest memories was receiving a radio at the age of 11 while staying at the Oklahoma Children's Hospital for surgery. This gift sparked his lifelong love of classic country music. He made sure that no matter where he traveled, his radio was always with him, tuned to his favorite country station.
Raised in the Nazarene Church, Wade had a profound interest in learning about the Lord. Though he was born into one faith, he felt a special connection to Catholicism and often sought to understand more about it, particularly as it related to Jesus. Despite the challenges of his developmental disabilities, Wade lived a life full of kindness, hard work, and honesty. His love for others was boundless, and he never wanted for anything.
But perhaps the most significant bond in Wade's life was with his father they held a connection and usually one was not seen without the other. He also held a deep connection to his sister, Doris. Their relationship was extraordinary, built on love, trust, and a deep, unbreakable connection. Wade's warmth and affection for everyone was present every day through every action he truly loved people and had a way to make everyone feel special.
Wade was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, James Gray, Richard Edward Gray, Vivian Woodall, and Oleta Porter.
Left to honor his memory is his sister, Doris Wood; nephew Ernest Eugene Wood; niece Zelda Wheatland; niece, Barbara Tinsley. He has also survived by the staff at the Mangum nursing center and therapy and its residents.
Charles Wade Grey will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his boundless love, his sense of humor, and the special bonds he shared with his family. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 31, 2025 at Greer Funeral Home Chapel, Mangum, Oklahoma. Wade will be laid to rest at Granite City Cemetery next to his beloved parents.
Services have been entrusted into the care of Greer Funeral Home Mangum, Oklahoma.
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Born on October 20, 1941, in Goree, Texas, Charles was the cherished son of James Avenue Grey and Naomi Reesce Grey. He spent his childhood near Ada and Colgate, Oklahoma, before his family moved to Southwest Oklahoma when he was around nine years old. His father relocated to the area to work at the Oklahoma Reformatory, and the family lived in various towns, including Tupelo Plainview, Granite, and eventually Mangum, Oklahoma.
Wade, as he was known, was a simple man who found joy in the small things in life. He was charismatic, loving, and had a wonderful sense of humor that brightened the lives of everyone around him. Wade had a deep love for cars and spent many hours helping his father with yard work in the Mangum and Granite areas. He cherished his Saturday nights, watching the "Hee Haw" specials on Channel 11, and had an unwavering passion for classic country music. Artists like Earnest Tubb, Dolly Parton, Porter Wagoner, and Willie Nelson held a special place in his heart, and he loved listening to their songs whenever he could.
Wade had a special fondness for simple comforts-blankets, coffee, and a good radio. One of his fondest memories was receiving a radio at the age of 11 while staying at the Oklahoma Children's Hospital for surgery. This gift sparked his lifelong love of classic country music. He made sure that no matter where he traveled, his radio was always with him, tuned to his favorite country station.
Raised in the Nazarene Church, Wade had a profound interest in learning about the Lord. Though he was born into one faith, he felt a special connection to Catholicism and often sought to understand more about it, particularly as it related to Jesus. Despite the challenges of his developmental disabilities, Wade lived a life full of kindness, hard work, and honesty. His love for others was boundless, and he never wanted for anything.
But perhaps the most significant bond in Wade's life was with his father they held a connection and usually one was not seen without the other. He also held a deep connection to his sister, Doris. Their relationship was extraordinary, built on love, trust, and a deep, unbreakable connection. Wade's warmth and affection for everyone was present every day through every action he truly loved people and had a way to make everyone feel special.
Wade was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, James Gray, Richard Edward Gray, Vivian Woodall, and Oleta Porter.
Left to honor his memory is his sister, Doris Wood; nephew Ernest Eugene Wood; niece Zelda Wheatland; niece, Barbara Tinsley. He has also survived by the staff at the Mangum nursing center and therapy and its residents.
Charles Wade Grey will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his boundless love, his sense of humor, and the special bonds he shared with his family. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 31, 2025 at Greer Funeral Home Chapel, Mangum, Oklahoma. Wade will be laid to rest at Granite City Cemetery next to his beloved parents.
Services have been entrusted into the care of Greer Funeral Home Mangum, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Charles Wade Gray, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Funeral
Friday
31
Jan
10:00 AM
Greer Funeral Home
235 South Pennsylvania
Mangum, OK 73554

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