Lyle "DeWayne" Gray

Lyle “Dewayne” Gray, age 69, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026.

Dewayne was known by many as “Papaw,” but to everyone who knew him, he was so much more. He was a truly sweet man with the biggest heart. He never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone around him feel welcomed and loved. His kindness, generosity, and warm spirit touched countless lives, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dewayne retired from FedEx after 23 years of dedicated service. He also proudly served as a firefighter with Rural Metro before going on to work for Claiborne Hauling. Outside of work, Dewayne enjoyed the simple things that brought him happiness. He loved making and painting model trucks and wreckers, and he had a special appreciation for tow trucks and John Deere tractors. Most of all, he treasured his family and the time he spent with those he loved.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Kathy Gray; parents, Lyle and Mary “Dot” Gray; and his stepson, Bradley Oakes.

Dewayne leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Charlotte Gray; daughters, Kaylyn Lewis, Kiley Bales, and Bethany Bales; grandchildren, Kinsley, Abel and Caroline Lewis; brothers, Roy Gray (Denise), David Gray (Tammy); sister, Donna Swann (Bill); uncle, Bill Gray; nieces, Katrina, Trinity, Paige, and Brittany; nephews, Matthew, Chris, and Jimmy; along with many extended family members and very dear friends.

Though our hearts are heavy with his passing, we are grateful for the love, laughter, memories, and kindness Dewayne shared with so many. His legacy will live on through his family, his friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to call him “Papaw.”

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM in the chapel of McCarty Evergreen Funeral Home, 7426 Asheville Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37924. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 7:00 PM officiated by Bruce Spangler.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Gray family at www.mccartyevergreen.com.