Charles Eric Ray was born May 14, 1948 to Roy and Mary Jo Ray in Dallas. Charles spent his formative years showing steers in FFA, playing school sports, and going to playdays and rodeos. 
It was at these events where he would meet the love of his life, Shirley Fowler, and in 1970, the two were married. 
Following high school, Charles served in the U.S. Army and was proud to be a veteran. He would go on to spend 32 years working for DISD and retired as Supervisor of the Heavy Equipment Department. 
The family moved to Mabank in 1995 to enjoy country life, where he continued to own and raise cattle using the 3R brand. Upon retirement from DISD in 2002, he would devote much of his time to the family ranch.
Charles was a quiet, humble man. He was witty and had a wry sense of humor, and loved to watch a good prank play out. He was always willing to offer a helping hand to anyone who needed it. 
He enjoyed spending time with his family, and it was not uncommon to see him at one of his children’s or grandchildren’s sports games or rodeos. 
He spent most of his time outdoors, whether it was tinkering in his shop, working around the house, or checking on his cows. 
In his later years he was never too far from his John Deere Gator, and spent many, many hours giving Gator rides to his grandchildren. Charles was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, pawpaw, and friend - and he loved them greatly in return. 
Charles was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ray, father Roy Ray, brother Ronnie Ray, father-in-law John Fowler and mother-in-law Anna Fowler. 
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Shirley, sons Boogie Ray and wife Robbin, Joel Ray and wife Rebecca and Ryan Ray, sister JoLynn Standerfer and husband Wayne, grandchildren McKenzie Ray Massey and husband Jackson, Maci Ray, Garret Ray, Ryleigh Ray, Cason Ray, and Kelton Ray; as well as may cousins, nieces, nephews and other loved ones.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home in Mabank. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Elm Grove Cemetery.