John Charles McNeil Gray, Sr.

       J. Charles Gray lived a life of deeply meaningful purpose and impact, offering decades of service-oriented leadership and sacrifice. He leaves a legacy that will last generations, and he was a rare, noble, and special life worthy of celebration, remembrance, and honor. “Charlie,” the captain of so many ships throughout his time on this earth, sailed home to be with the Lord on the morning of Wednesday, April 22, at the age of 94, and our community, state, and countless lives are better for his time with us. Simply, Charlie’s “fingerprints” are everywhere in Central Florida and there will never be another like him. 

      Charlie was a man of abiding faith who was devoted to his family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Saundra Hagood. Whether sailing around the world aboard “Sea Gem,” ranching Santa Gertrudis cattle, or preserving Florida’s natural lakes and springs, Charlie and his compass rose, Saundra, were an inseparable team for more than 70 years. Their adventures and exploits are the stuff of legend to this day. He is also survived by his daughter, Terese Vincent (Tommy); son, Lee, and daughter-in-law, Stacey; grandchildren, Caroline (Michael Hawks), Kristen (Eric Guess), Savannah, and John Charles Gray III; and great grandchildren, Levi, August, Logan, and Ford. He is preceded in death by his son, John. 

     A born and raised son of Orlando, Charlie attended Orlando schools, graduated from the University of Florida in 1955 and earned his Juris Doctorate in 1958. He was a brilliant lawyer, a passionate advocate, a tireless builder, a civic leader, and a community champion. At his core, Charlie was a doer. Never afraid to advance or transform the places, the people, or causes that he cherished. A trusted counselor to governors, mayors, county and city commissioners, and legislators, while also providing the same passionate support to his clients, his colleagues, his friends, and his family. A man of many talents and passions, he and Saundra were avid sailors, environmentalists, philanthropists, and cattle ranchers. 

     To know Charlie, and to speak of his accomplishments, is to unlock a portal into the rich and vibrant history of our region and the transformational moments, projects, people, and decisions that have shaped it. It would require a full-length biography to do justice to his work, but a handful are worth mention: 

      - - - As chairman of the Florida Turnpike Authority, Charlie oversaw the design and construction of the turnpike interchange with Interstate 4 – the gateway to Walt Disney World – helping solidify Walt and Roy’s decision to locate in Central Florida, forever transforming our region and state. Thereafter, he supported and advised Disney in countless ways throughout the development of the land and parks, even locating his and Saundra’s cattle on the property for many years. 

     - - - He secured the necessary state support for the design and development of SR 408, the East-West Expressway, unlocking endless opportunity for community expansion. 

     - - - Working with then-Governor Hayden Burns, Charlie – quite literally – created the University of Central Florida (UCF), now the nation’s second largest university and an unmatched economic engine for the region. Thereafter, he chaired the UCF Foundation for many years, received an honorary doctorate, and has been universally considered by every University President since its founding to be the “Grandfather of UCF.”

     - - - Charlie co-founded the Orlando Economic Development Commission (now the Orlando Economic Partnership) and served as chairman for many years, leading dozens of projects and recruitment efforts that created jobs and prosperity in the region. 

     - - - Leveraging the power of deep personal relationships built on trust, he ensured the financing and construction of the original Orlando O-rena as the community pursued our NBA Franchise and elevation to being a “Major League City.” 

     - - - As Orange County Attorney, Charlie resolved a crippling Department of Environmental Protection sewer moratorium that threatened the county’s growth, shepherded the passage of our Tourist Development Tax and the development of the Orange County Convention Center, expanded the Orange County Library System, and developed the County Administration Center downtown. 

     - - - He was instrumental in attracting Campus Crusade for Christ and Wycliffe Bible Translators to locate their international headquarters to Lake Hart, from where they have influenced many people around the world. 

     - - - He led the community-wide effort to seek state funding for the public-private semi conductor advanced manufacturing and workforce initiative now known as BRIDG in Osceola County. 

     - - - He and Saundra sold and donated their home – Gemini Springs – to Volusia County as a permanent public park. 

     His accomplishments and service were recognized over the years with several lifetime and career achievement awards, such as the Leroy Collins Lifetime Achievement award, and honorariums from organizations, such as the Orlando Regional History Center, Orlando Business Journal, Florida Tax Watch, Florida Trend, i4 Business Magazine, and many others. 

     Many who knew him best are those who had the privilege of working alongside him at his firm. Founded in 1970 with three other younger lawyers, Gray Robinson is now in 16 offices across Florida and Washington, D.C., serving clients in a wide array of practice areas and with particular expertise – not surprisingly – at the intersection of business, law, and politics. The firm was built and has grown on two foundational principals, espoused by Charlie himself: first and foremost, that “when you build your community, you will build your firm” and second that the firm should have broad capabilities, access, and power, but with a feel that is boutique and client centered. Or, as Charlie would say, “a small firm with a lot of lawyers.” In both good times and bad throughout the firm’s history, “Mr. Gray” was the constant rudder in the storms and the wind in the sails. 

     Words cannot adequately express how deeply Charlie will be missed and how hungry our community is – still today – for the type of selfless leadership and sacrifice he so freely gave. May we all, in his memory and with his example as our compass, recommit ourselves to the hard but necessary work of finding solutions instead of division, building up instead of tearing down, seeing each other as trusted friends and co-laborers instead of enemies, and serving others in a way that empowers and transforms. 

[A service will be held on Monday April 27, at 3:00 pm at Orlando Lutheran Towers in the Chapel with the entrance on Liberty Ave. In lieu of funeral flowers, a donation can be made in Charlie’s honor to the UCF Foundation.]