Charles Herman Wray, Jr.

Charles Herman Wray, Jr. of Eden, NC, transitioned from his earthly home to his heavenly one on Friday, January 24, 2025. A man of unwavering faith and compassion, Charles devoted his life to serving others and honoring his Lord, Jesus Christ.

A funeral service to honor Charles will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 2:00 pm at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, with Father Wheigar J. Bright and Rev. Dr. Dava Cruise Hensley presiding. Please come join us as we celebrate his life on earth and rejoice in Christ calling him home. A private interment at Overlook Cemetery Mausoleum will precede the service.

Charles was born on February 1, 1950, in Leaksville, NC, to Charles “Charlie” Herman Wray, Sr., and Ruby Cruise Wray. He graduated from Stoneville High School in 1968 and followed a calling to the medical profession. After earning his Registered Nursing degree from Rockingham Community College in 1974, he pursued further education, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1979 and, one of his proudest accomplishments, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia in 1985.

Charles built a remarkable career, serving patients and mentoring future nurses at esteemed institutions such as Duke University Medical Center and John Umstead Hospital. Beyond his clinical work, he was a Director of Nursing at Piedmont Community College in Roxboro from 1990-2007 where he shared his knowledge and passion for compassionate care.

Faith was the cornerstone of Charles’s life. He grew up in Eden First Church of the Brethren and became an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church upon his return to Eden in 2007. Summers spent at Camp Bethel in Fincastle, VA, first as a camper and later as a counselor, nurse, and benefactor, held a special place in his heart.

Charles’s love of music was equally profound. A gifted organist, he shared his talents with numerous churches throughout his life, including Eden First Church of the Brethren, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Reidsville, Union Grove United Methodist Church in Bahama, NC, and St. Joseph of the Hills Catholic Church in Eden. Wherever there was a need for music to inspire worship, Charles was always ready to lend his talents.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; maternal grandparents, Payton “Pete” and Alpha Cruise; paternal grandparents Jim and Alie Tilley Wray; his sister, Susan Wray Fretwell; and beloved aunts Evelyn Vernon, Dorothy Cruise, and Vergie Shively.

He is survived by his brother-in-law, Eddie Fretwell of Little River, SC; nieces Allyson Roney (Michael) of Burlington and Teresa Wetherby (John) of Salisbury; great-nieces Taylor Corum (John), Mykenzie Wilson (Christian), and Amanda Ferber (Daniel); great-nephew Adam Peacock (Abby); and great-great-nieces and nephews Paisley, Gracie, Carson, and Emily. He is also survived by his special aunt, Lucy Cruise Bradford of Eden, along with many dear cousins and friends.

Charles leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and dedication. Those who knew him will remember his gentle spirit, his love for his family, and his unwavering commitment to helping others.

Memorial contributions in honor of Charles may be made to Camp Bethel, 328 Bethel Rd., Fincastle, VA 24090, or St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 600 Morgan Rd., Eden, NC 27288.