Gary Royce Charles, 67, was born August 4, 1950 to Raymon and Audrew Charles, who both preceded him in death. Gary grew up in Independence, Missouri and attended William Chrisman High School, graduating in 1968. He furthered his education at Lincoln University, graduating in 1973. He later studied at St. Paul School of Theology and Central Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1979, he married Vallori Jenkins, gaining a devoted wife and a loving son, Donovan. Donovan and his wife Kelie gave Gary two grandsons whom he loved with all his heart, Nicholas and Quinton. His religious training came as a young man while he was a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Independence, Missouri. He was called to pastor in the 1980's serving at Campbell Chapel, Glasgow, MO; Zion AMEC, Lexington, MO; Ebenezer-Grant Chapel, St. Joseph, MO; and Flipper (later known as Power of Faith) from which he retired at the end of the 10th Midwest Conference. He served faithfully at Power of Faith for 12 years. Gary worked for the Jackson County Family Court for over thirty years and retired from Swope Parkway Health Center in 2011. Gary loved his Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha. He maintained relationships with friends for over 50 years. In his spare time he enjoyed getting together with old buddies, golfing, and Facebook. Gary received a kidney transplant in July 2015. He went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 after a fighting a good fight, finishing the course and keeping the faith. He leaves to mourn his death: his wife, Vallori Charles; son, Donovan Charles (Kelie) of Marietta, GA; sister, Gloria Charles; nieces, Jacqueline Charles and Kristina Pearl; grandsons, Nicholas Charles and Quinton Charles; sister-in-law, Rochelle Pearl and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services Saturday, October 14, 11:00 a.m. at Bethel A.M.E. Church. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.