A proud Orlando native, Charlie was a brilliant lawyer, a passionate advocate, and a trusted counselor to leaders across the region.
The entire Orlando Economic Partnership team expresses our sadness at the loss of Charlie Gray, a respected leader whose vision and dedication greatly influenced Orlando’s growth and community development.
A proud Orlando native, Charlie was a brilliant lawyer, a passionate advocate, and a trusted counselor to leaders across the region.
As a longtime chairman of the predecessor organization of the Orlando Economic Partnership, the Orlando Economic Development Commission, Charlie led countless projects and recruitment efforts that brought jobs, prosperity, and opportunity to Central Florida. His leadership was instrumental in building the economic foundation that supports our vibrant community today. He was a recipient of the James B. Greene Award and even helped develop that award in honor of his friend.
His impact is deeply tangible.
As chairman of the Florida Turnpike Authority, Charlie oversaw the design and construction of the turnpike interchange with Interstate 4, which serves as the gateway to Walt Disney World. This helped solidify Walt and Roy Disney’s decision to locate in Central Florida and forever transformed our region and state.
He secured the necessary state support for the design and development of SR 408, the East-West Expressway, which unlocked opportunity for community expansion.
He helped create the University of Central Florida (UCF), an unmatched economic engine. He later chaired the UCF Foundation, received an honorary doctorate, and has long been regarded as the “Grandfather of UCF.”
He ensured the financing and construction of the original Orlando O-rena as our community pursued an NBA franchise and its evolution into a “Major League City.”
As Orange County Attorney, he resolved a crippling Department of Environmental Protection sewer moratorium, shepherded the passage of the Tourist Development Tax and the development of the Orange County Convention Center, expanded the Orange County Library System, and advanced the County Administration Center downtown.
He led the community-wide effort to secure state funding for the public-private semiconductor advanced manufacturing and workforce initiative now known as BRIDG in Osceola County.
Most recently, Charlie came to the OEP last October to speak to our Public Leadership Institute participants sharing his wisdom and insights into how we build a strong community.
Charlie’s “fingerprints” can be found throughout the history of our region, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. His legacy will endure as a beacon of hope, progress, and possibility for Orlando and beyond. On behalf of the Orlando Economic Partnership, I offer heartfelt condolences to Saundra and the entire Gray family.
Charlie’s life is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and community spirit.