Charles Leon Gregory
March 6, 1949-April 22, 2024

Charles Leon Gregory, 75, was born March 6, 1949, to Sue and Leonard Gregory at Palo Verde Hospital in Blythe California. He passed peacefully on Monday April 22, 2024, with a smile on his face and his beloved niece Michelle Igo by his side.

Charles lived the majority of his life in Blythe where he worked for the phone company throughout the 1970's and then made a long-lasting career with the Department of Corrections Chuckawalla Valley State Prison from December 1987 through October of 2005. After his retirement, being the type of person that couldn't sit still, he worked a few more odd jobs until he found a position he really enjoyed at the La Paz County District Attorney's office in Parker Arizona where he stayed a few years. In his final years, until he couldn't anymore, he worked for Blythe first local dispensary, The Prime Leaf.

Charles was well known in the community, and those that knew him, knew him for his sense of humor, his love for Broadway musicals, oldies but goodies, slot machines, movies and most of all he was known for his generosity and heart of solid gold. He was truly one of the most generous men you could ever meet. He would often times buy out an entire row or two for a Broadway show he wanted his family and friends to enjoy with and accompany him, as many as he could get to go, he wanted there. His face would beam with happiness and excitement after the show as he would ask each one "What'd you think" and then tell of his favorite parts of the show. He did the same with movies, always "his treat." If he won big at the casino, he had his winnings fanned out in his hand passing twenty dollar bills out to everyone in arms reach. You could never outgive Charles, his generosity was unmatched.

Although Charles had no children of his own, he was a wonderful example and father figure to many children in his life that he genuinely loved and cared for. His life was rich with nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and children of close friends. His life never lacked loving children and was as devoted to them as much as any father could be and would do anything in his power for them.

Charles was the eldest of three and an amazing  brother to both of his younger brothers, Ricky and Jackie. He'd tell stories of when they were young he helped take care of them while his mother went to work, how he'd pack them lunch and send them off to school. He continued to be there for them throughout life and through all the ups and downs of life and brotherhood, the bond and relationship he had with his younger brothers was always reconciled. They couldn't have asked for a better brother.

Charles had many people he called friend, but there was one person that held the most special place in his heart and life. His best friend and kindred spirit, Jill Luitjens. They became friends in 1988 while working together at Chuckawalla, an instant bond from day one. It was a friendship that would become thick as thieves and stand the test of time and distance throughout the rest of his life.  Charles loved and adored and spoke only praises of Jill and her children, Tom, Lesley, Lacey and Regan. If you knew Charles, you knew his dearest and best friend in the world was Jill. What you probably didn't know was their friendship was the strongest bond he had here on earth. They never went a day without talking to each other. They had their very own language that only they understood and that sometimes their conversations didn't even include words, only laughter. If you were ever fortunate enough to overhear a conversation between them, you may not have understood it, but you were laughing along because their laughter together was infectious.

The last couple of years really tested Charles' faith in The Almighty God because of the sickness in his body. He kept looking for and hoping for a miracle of healing in his body. In the end, though, the miracle was that the mustard seed of faith that Charles had grew into a great strong tree with deep roots. That was his miracle! Though it may not have been in the body which he prayed for, the truest miracle he found was in the hope, faith, trust and the everlasting relationship he built with The Almighty God and Savior.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Sue Rice and Leonard (Lynn) Gregory; grandparents, George and Pairlee Fowler; aunts, Birdie Baxter, Oma Harsh, Betty Ferguson and Penny DeWitt, and uncles: Carl, Bob and George Fowler.

He is survived by his brothers Ricky Igo and Jackie Rice; nieces, Melinda and Michelle Igo and Heather Rice. Nephews; Tony, Brandon and Evan Rice. Great nieces; Elysia and Juvelina Magana and Elisa Flores. Great nephews; Cody Igo, Elijah Igo, Gabriel Magana, Cason and Kegan Rice and Humberto Magana Jr. Great great nephew; Aaron Magana and Great great nieces; Sofia and Samantha Magana and numerous cousins and relatives.

Please join family and friends for a celebration of Charles' life Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Higher Vision Church at 247 N. Solano Ave. Blythe Ca. There will be food and fellowship after the celebration service.