Charles was born on August 31, 1934 in Brookhaven, MS. He attended Brookhaven High School and McCallie Military School in Chattanooga, TN where he graduated Cum Laude. After graduating from Tulane University, he entered the United States Air Force where he became a fighter pilot and did two tours of duty in the Vietnam War. He served his country in the USAF for 23 years before retiring as a decorated veteran. He worked as a stock broker with Robinson-Humphrey for 16 years. In 1994, Charles was ordained a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church. A great man of faith, he loved serving God and spending time with his family.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, George Hoke Gulley Sr. and Kathryn Brumfield Gulley, his brother George H. Gulley Jr., and his son, Michael Allen Gulley.
Charles is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Joan Ritchey Gulley; children: Patrick Russell Gulley (Melissa), Laurie Gulley, Kathy Gulley McNabb (Rick), and Kiki Gulley Smith (Michael); grandchildren: Amanda, Allison, Ryan, Hannah, and Sarah Gulley; Molly, Megan, Emma, and Bennett McNabb; Katie, Drew, Grant, and John Russell Smith; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at 9:00 AM in the St. Bede Family Life Center followed by a rosary at 10:30 AM in the Church. Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM with Most Reverend Thomas J. Rodi, Archbishop of Mobile celebrating. Charles will be laid to rest at St. Margaret's Cemetery with military honors. Pallbearers: Patrick Gulley, Rick McNabb, Michael Smith, Ryan Gulley, Bennett McNabb, Drew Smith, Grant Smith, and John Russell Smith.
The family is very grateful to the staff and volunteers of the Respite Ministry at FUMC and everyone at Angels for the Elderly for the loving care and support offered to him. We especially want to thank his "best friend."
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church or to the Respite Ministry at First United Methodist Church.
