Charles Wilford Gay, 95, of Cincinnati, OH and Greenville, SC passed away Wednesday, April 21, 2021 in the loving care of The Residence at Salem Woods. Born a child of the depression on December 16, 1925, in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of the late Sarahbell Gay Highberger and Wilford Nelson Highberger, he was raised with great influence from his Grandparents Elmer Nelson Gay and Alice Shannon Gay. A US Navy Veteran having served in World War II, a product of the greatest generation, Charlie grew up working from an early age, he loved to create with his hands, an accomplished furniture maker, craftsman and gardener, he found great pleasure in in the creative process, turning out masterfully upholstered products, beautiful fine furniture and the occasional housing renovation. Some of his greatest achievements can be attributed not to his expert craftsmanship but to his humanity, always available to lend a hand and embrace life with empathy and humility. Charlie is survived by his children, Ann Elizabeth Owens of Florence, SC, Douglas Strang Gay of Hingham, MA, Mary Catherine Campbell of Cincinnati, OH, Patricia Ann Gay of Centerville, OH, Donna Lee Brooks of Knoxville, TN, William Gay of Ft. Meyers, FL, and Julie Saluke of Memphis, TN. He was the widower of Doris Jean Ellington of Maysville, KY and preceded in death by his stepchildren Gregory Mullinnix and Jeana Dee Houst. At his wishes, Charlie will be cremated with a graveside memorial service to be held at the Maysville Cemetery, Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Condolences at knoxbrothersfuneralhome.com