Charles (Charlie) Edward Rye

  Charles Edward (Charlie) Rye, age 69, was born on January 25, 1957, in Metropolis, Illinois. He passed from this life on February 24, 2026, surrounded by the legacy of friendships he cherished.

  Charlie proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1972 to 1976. Following his military service, he began a long career as a professional truck driver in 1978, spending decades behind the wheel of big rigs until 2024. Along the way, he also put his skills to work as a mechanic, turning wrenches whenever the opportunity arose. Outside of work, Charlie found freedom and joy riding his Harley motorcycle.

  He was preceded in death by his mother, Della Mae Gay; biological father, Calvin Clyde Rye Jr.; stepfather, Hughes Currie Gay; infant brother, Calvin Clyde Rye III; and brother, David Gay.

  Charlie is survived by his brother, Tommy Gay and wife, Laurie of Covington, Tennessee; sister, Donna Harrier of Buchanan, Tennessee; his honorary sister, Tabitha Harris and husband, Cory Wagner of Boyd, Texas; and honorary brother, Jimmy McDaniel of Granbury, Texas.

  He also leaves behind four nieces and four nephews in Tennessee: Amanda Smith, Cathy Cooper, Jeri Simpson, Heather Clark, Tommy (Bubba) Gay, Jr., Michael Gay, William (Bubba) Simpson, and Gary Walker; and five nieces and one nephew in Texas: Chyann Harris, Natasha Hancock, Ashley Whisenhunt, William Harris, Racheal Harris, and Trinity Harris; along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews who will carry his memory forward.

  A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Long Creek Cemetery, 5410 Temple Hall Hwy, Granbury, Texas 76049.

  Charlie will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his loyalty to those he loved and for the open road he traveled.

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