Charlie Gray, who co-founded the powerful GrayRobinson law firm and used his influence to help bring Disney World and the University of Central Florida to Orlando, died Wednesday at age 94.

“Charlie was a true legend, a friend to many, and my personal mentor. 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,” said GrayRobinson President/CEO and former House Speaker Dean Cannon in a statement.

“We celebrate Charlie’s extraordinary life and lasting impact, and our deepest condolences are with his wife, Saundra, and the Gray family.”

Gray helped start the Orlando law firm in 1970 that would grow to have 16 offices around Florida and Washington, D.C.

The civic-minded Gray also played a role in shaping Central Florida even though he never held elected office.

“Charlie always realized you could have far more influence and get much more done working behind the scenes,” former Orlando Mayor Bill Frederick told the Orlando Business Journal in 2009.

Several local leaders honored Gray’s contributions to the community as they remembered his legacy.

“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 a statement. “As a true public servant, he helped shape every aspect of a growing region.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer called Gray a “legal giant” and said his “immense impact on transformative civic, legal, and political issues in Central Florida was eclipsed only by his humility, honor, and integrity.”

Gray chaired former Jacksonville Mayor Haydon Burns’ long shot campaign for Governor and helped him win in 1964.

Suddenly, Gray had a very powerful ally.

“When he won, he asked me, “What do you want?” I replied, ‘Number one, I want a new university,’” Gray wrote in a column. “I didn’t ask for anything for myself.”

That would lead to the creation of Florida Technological University which folks and diehard Knight fans know better today as the University of Central Florida. 

Gray was also tapped to be Burns’ liaison to work directly with the Walt Disney Company as The Mouse was secretly acquiring 27,000 acres of land to open the Magic Kingdom and its theme park empire. Gray helped Disney work with the state, which was going to eventually give Disney its own government special district (that was later infamously taken over by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2023.) 

Walt Disney World celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021.

Gray’s heralded career also includes serving as Orange County Attorney where he was involved in the creation of the Orange County Convention Center and building the partnership to facilitate the Orlando Arena, the original home of the Orlando Magic. He also chaired the Florida State Turnpike Authority where he helped build the interchange of the Florida Turnpike and Interstate 4. Gray also served on several boards, including Florida TaxWatch and the UCF Foundation.

“Charlie’s mantra was, ‘you build your community, you build your firm,’” Cannon told Florida Politics in 2020. 

Gray and his wife, Saundra, were married for 70 years.

They shared an adventurous streak and a passion for exploration.

In their 60s, the couple set sail for a 30,000 mile adventure in their sailboat named the Sea Gem.

“A lot of our friends think that we are crazy,” Saundra Gray told the Orlando Sentinel in 1999.

The couple spent 25 years living on a cattle ranch and raising their children.

“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,” GrayRobinson said in a news release.

The law firm is planning to make a donation in Gray’s honor to the UCF Foundation.

The Orange County Regional History Center assisted in reporting this story.