April 25, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. – GrayRobinson commemorates the life of its Founder and Chair Emeritus J. Charles “Charlie” Gray, an iconic Central Florida business leader whose vision, integrity, and commitment to community shaped the firm and fueled the region’s growth for more than four decades.
“Charlie was a true legend, a friend to many, and my personal mentor,” said GrayRobinson President and CEO Dean Cannon, who has been at the helm of the firm since 2019 and has known Gray since he first came to the firm as a runner in the Lakeland office in 1985. “Known for his tenacity, generosity, and professionalism, he was an industry lion, a champion of progress and people, who cared deeply about the communities in our Sunshine State. Through his vision, he established an enduring ethos of community-mindedness and agility that continues to define our firm culture today: ‘When you build your community, you build your firm.’ We celebrate Charlie’s extraordinary life and lasting impact, and our deepest condolences are with his wife, Saundra, and the Gray family.”
“Charlie was truly one of a kind,” said Byrd F. “Biff” Marshall, who serves as chair of the GrayRobinson Board of Directors and held the managing director position from 1992 to 2016. “He was a mentor to me and so many others, and his vision and leadership provided the foundation of our law firm. He exhibited all the character qualities we hope to see in our leaders and law partners, and he will be deeply missed.”
“Charlie was a true legal giant,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who recognized Gray and the firm in 2020 for helping shape The City Beautiful for 50 years. “His immense impact on transformative civic, legal, and political issues in Central Florida was eclipsed only by his humility, honor, and integrity.”
“Val and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Charlie Gray, a friend and legendary community leader,” said Orange County Major Jerry Demings in an issued statement. “As a true public servant, he helped shape every aspect of a growing region. Charlie was one of the foundational figures in Orlando’s modern civic and legal landscape, he will be truly remembered. On behalf of Orange County, I offer condolences to his wife, Saundra and the entire Gray family.”
A founding member of our firm alongside Richard Adams, Gordon “Stumpy” Harris, and Richard “Robie” Robinson, Gray was a fixture of the Central Florida business community for over four decades. His work as a public servant, lawyer, and business leader helped drive the region's economic development and laid the foundation for growth that will sustain the community for decades to come.
As Orange County Attorney, Gray was involved in developing the county’s Tourist Development Plan and launching the Orange County Convention Center and comprehensive growth plan. He also forged the partnership to facilitate the Orlando Arena, the original home of the Orlando Magic.
Gray chaired the Florida State Turnpike Authority, where he was instrumental in securing an exchange between the Florida Turnpike and Interstate 4 – a key factor in the site selection for Walt Disney World. He was also deeply involved in helping secure the funding and commitment to locate Florida Technological University (now the University of Central Florida (UCF)) in Orange County, which paved the way for the creation of the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, the precursor to the UCF Medical School.
Gray’s passion for community building extended well beyond education and transportation. He created and served a record two terms as chair of the Economic Development Commission of Mid-Florida (now Orlando Economic Partnership), which had a widespread impact on the region, including the development of BRIDG, a microelectronics research and manufacturing facility established by public-private partnership located at NeoCity, a 500-acre technology district and accelerator in Osceola County.
Gray partnered with the City of Orlando to support an innovative citrus irrigation project to achieve “no discharge” funded by half the federal money allocated to the State of Florida for two years running, and served on the Blue Ribbon Panel to make recommendations for needed improvements to the Orange County School District, resulting in the implementation of more than 100 separate recommendations. He also led the effort to create a county-wide elected chair for the Orange County School Board to provide leadership for the seven single-member district School Board, resulting in a major improvement of the governance of the Orange County School system.
He was instrumental in the relocation of Campus Crusade for Christ’s international headquarters to Central Florida and influential in the formation of Southeast National Bank of Orlando, which later became Wells Fargo.
A life-long community advocate, Gray’s most recent affiliations included the American Bar Association, Orange County Bar Association, Orlando Land Trust Board of Directors and Trustees, Orlando Remembered Board of Directors, and the UCF Foundation Executive Advisory Council for Orlando Downtown Campus, where he also served as trustee emeritus.
In recent years, his exceptional service and leadership have been recognized through several notable awards. In 2023, Gray received the Florida TaxWatch Chairman’s Award, a prestigious honor given in recognition of service to others and Florida TaxWatch, where he served on the Board of Trustees and Executive Committee for more than 15 years. He was recognized as an Industry Giant among the 2021 Power Players by the Orlando Business Journal. In 2019, Gray was named i4Business Magazine’s Business Leader of the Year for his influential presence in the development of Central Florida’s economy for more than four decades. He was also honored as a Living Legend by The Florida Trend in 2018.
Gray received an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from UCF. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida (UF) Levin College of Law, and an L.L.B. and a Bachelor of Arts from UF.
Gray enjoyed spending time with Saundra and their family and had a passion for sailing, fishing, and traveling. A natural storyteller, he especially loved recounting his adventures sailing around the world, including his eventual retracing of Columbus’ historic journey. Perhaps most telling was the way Gray encapsulated his own life’s journey, always noting that his greatest accomplishment was marrying Saundra, his beloved wife of 70 years. Both native Floridians, Gray and Saundra shared a lifelong love for the Sunshine State. Together, they spent 25 years living on a cattle ranch, raising their family and caring for the land. When they sold the ranch, they did so through a strategic public acquisition, allowing them to preserve what is known as Gemini Springs for future generations.
In commemoration of Charlie’s love for his community, GrayRobinson will be making a donation to the UCF Foundation. More information on Gray’s legacy can be found on the GrayRobinson website.
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About GrayRobinson
GrayRobinson is a multidimensional team of attorneys, advisors, and consultants recognized as one of the most influential legal-lobbying firms in Florida. Its nearly 300 professionals partner with successful businesses and enterprising individuals to close pivotal deals, resolve disputes, anticipate industry shifts, and harness forward momentum. The firm serves clients nationally from 16 offices across Florida and Washington, D.C. Learn more at Gray-Robinson.com.
CONTACT
Kristen Bridges, kristen.bridges@gray-robinson.com, 850.545.1917