Charles Grayson passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2015, at the age of 75. Charles was born to Claude and Aletha Wigington Grayson on July 5, 1939. Born and raised in Simpson County, Charles graduated from Pinola High School in 1957.

He went on to work at the New Hebron Manufacturing Company where he met the mother of his future bride. After introductions and a long courtship, he married Peggy Bozeman on June 30, 1963. They were married 51 years.

He went on to work for Illinois Central Railroad for several years. Five years later they became the parents of their one and only daughter, Angela Grayson Lee. During this time he began working at the St. Regis Paper Company. He retired in 2002 as a foreman on the paper machine at Georgia Pacific Paper Company after 34 years in the paper industry where he was known as “Charlie.”

In his younger years, Charles was active in youth sporting activities in New Hebron and Lawrence County. He coached girls and boys softball for numerous years. He also served on the Booster Club for the New Hebron Attendance Center. Charles was one of the founding board members who established Lawrence County Academy. He served on this board for five years.

Charles was an active member of New Hebron Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, Sunday School Superintendent and various committees. Charles was a Mason and served on the board of alderman for the Town of New Hebron for the past 12 years.

He enjoyed reading, playing golf, and most of all spending time with his family especially his two young grandsons, Grayson and Cameron. He would quickly tell you that he loved a good ballgame too.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Aletha Grayson, five brothers and three sisters.

Charles is survived by his wife, Peggy, of New Hebron; his daughter, Angie (Mitchell Lee) and grandsons, Grayson and Cameron of Clinton; a stepgrandson, Haegan Lee of Silver Creek; a sister, Linda Gowan of Mendenhall; brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Betty Wigington of New Hebron and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at New Hebron Baptist Church on June 1. Interment was in the New Hebron Cemetery.

Rev. Mike Grenn and Rev. Sonny Adkins officiated. Pallbearers were Charles Savell, Darryl Grayson, Ronnie Chavis, Lance Russell, James Savell, Chad Wigington, Eric Adkins and Brandon Cox. Honorary pallbearers were Ronnie Jones, Bill Fraysier, Danny Russell, David Weems, Michael Madison, Stanley Stephens, George W. Shivers Sunday school class, Jackie Snowden, Eddie Douglas, Tommy Russell, Mike Clark and Haegan Lee.

Memorials may be made to the Building Fund of New Hebron Baptist Church or the Baptist Children’s Village.

Saulters-Moore Funeral Services of Prentiss, MS handled all arrangements.