Charles E. Gray

Charles E. Gray, a highly-recognized St. Louis trial lawyer for over fifty years, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, at his home in Farmington on October 8, 2011. Charlie Gray grew up in Doe Run, MO, in a farming family of nine children. On a nearby farm lived his childhood sweetheart, Booe, and her seven brothers and sisters. They were married July 4, 1942, and have four daughters who survive him: Karen Ritter, Jeanne Horn, Sue Gray and Dawn Lindhardt. Mr. Gray is also survived by eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Mrs. Gray predeceased him. Before attending law school, Mr. Gray served as a Captain in the United States Army. On December 7, 1941, his unarmed troop ship was just a few miles out of Hawaii, destined for the U. S. mainland when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. His ship narrowly avoided an attack by a Japanese submarine. Following his discharge from the Army, Mr. Gray attended Washington University School of Law. Under a special rule of the Supreme Court for student veterans, he practiced with the legendary St. Louis trial lawyer of that time, Cleo Barnhart. He tried a jury case and argued an appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court, all before he graduated from law school, which was practically unheard of for a law student at that time and not possible under current rules. In 1946, Mr. Gray founded the St. Louis law firm now known as Gray, Ritter & Graham, P.C. Mr. Gray then went on to a spectacular 50 year career, gaining a reputation as one of the elite trial and appellate lawyers in the country. During most of his adult life, in addition to practicing law, he operated a cattle breeding farm in Doe Run, and was also an avid gardener, farmer, golfer and yachtsman. Mr. Gray was a member of the International Society of Barristers, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American College of Trial Lawyers, the American Bar Association, The Missouri Bar, and the Lawyers Association of St. Louis. In 1977, he was the recipient of the Lawyers Association's prestigious Award of Honor. Mr. Gray was an early and longtime advocate for the Mathews-Dickey Boys & Girls Club. Martin Mathews, President of Mathews-Dickey, said of Mr. Gray, In the early days of Mathews-Dickey, when we were just getting off the ground, Mr. Gray was an important advisor and supporter, which was a major factor in our early success. Mr. and Mrs. Gray were dedicated to encouraging young people to seek higher education and through the Beulah M. Gray Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund they have assisted dozens of students with scholarships at Mineral Area College. Bob Ritter, Mr. Gray's son-in-law and longtime law partner, commented: Charlie Gray was the finest trial and appellate lawyer I have ever seen or heard about. He was also my revered partner and wonderful friend. We have lost a great man but his name and rich legacy will endure. Friends may call at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11. Visitation will resume on Wednesday at 7 a.m. with a funeral service at 10 a.m. at the Cozean Chapel. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations to the Mineral Area College Foundation Inc. for the Beulah M. Gray Memorial Endowed Scholarship fund or to the Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club will be very much appreciated. Share your condolences and memories at cozean.biz.