Charles H. Gray Jr., 85, biology teacher and restaurateur

SOME PEOPLE dream of sun-kissed beaches or mountains in the moonlight or other pleasant scenes. Charles Gray dreamt of a barbecue pit.

You see, Charles, a longtime biology teacher in Philadelphia schools, had this vision: a barbecue restaurant so outstanding that it would become a Philly landmark and draw celebrities, politicians, and other movers and shakers to its precincts.

Struggling through problems attendant to starting a new business - such as lack of money - Charles finally realized his vision. The Rib Crib opened its doors on Germantown Avenue in Germantown in October 1968. And it's been going strong ever since.

Charles Henry Gray Jr., who spent 30 years as a high school teacher, working at his restaurant after classes, an active community and church leader, and an Army veteran, died May 6 after a series of strokes. He was 85.

"Charles Gray was a dignified man, a good man with a heart of gold, and a man who exemplified the meaning of integrity and character," his family said.

For 47 years, people of all walks of life have made the pilgrimage to the Rib Crib to sample Charles Gray's sizzling ribs and homemade sauce. It was mentioned on the "CBS Evening News" with Dan Rather, and among the prominent folk who sampled the ribs were former President Bill Clinton, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, actors Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks, and singer Patti LaBelle. His family said Congressman William H. Gray had the restaurant cater an event at the White House.

Charles had a buoyant personality, so that "no matter where he went, he was the life of the party, and respected by all," his family said.

He was born in Denton, N.C., to Charles Henry Gray Sr. and the former Cora McNair. By the time he was 6, both parents had died, and his maternal grandmother, Annie McNair, took in Charles and his two sisters, and moved them to Wilmington, Del.

Charles grew up in Wilmington and graduated from Howard High School in 1947. He enlisted in the Army, and was able to use the GI Bill to attend the Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C.

He had a great time in college. He was the "big man on campus," became president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and president of the Student Body. After graduation, he attended the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine.

It was there that he met a comely young lady named Bessie Lee Thurman. She graduated from Tuskegee in 1958 and moved to New York City. Charles quit vet school and followed her to New York. They were married on June 27, 1959, and moved to Philadelphia.

Charles went to work for the School District as a biology teacher. He attained his master's degree from Temple University and had completed the course work for a doctorate, but was unable to finish.

When Charles had his dream about a barbecue pit in 1967, he got up in the middle of the night and sketched it out. He purchased a building on Germantown Avenue at Duval Street. He then went to a bank for a loan, and was promptly turned down.

His wife had $1,800 put away, and he asked her if he could use it. She was a little skeptical about this crazy restaurant idea, but she went along.

Now, he needed to build a barbecue pit, like the one in his dream. An old factory was being torn down in Manayunk and there were bricks scattered about. Every day after his teaching job, Charles would drive to the demolition site, load up his old station wagon with bricks, and return to his building.

The Rib Crib was becoming a reality, and in October 1968, it was ready for diners.

For the next 30 years, Charles taught biology at Lincoln High School and then, changing from his suit (he was always immaculately dressed) to his work clothes, he would work in his restaurant.

"Mr. Gray," as he was known throughout the Germantown community, was a popular neighborhood figure. He often helped young people with tuition, was always available for emergencies, chipped in on clean-up crews, and was ready with a listening ear and good advice for everyone.

His wife died in June 2012. He is survived by a daughter, Kimberly Thurman Gray, and a sister, Alethia Mosley. He was predeceased by a son, Dorian Charles Gray.

Services: 11 a.m. Saturday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 500 E. Mount Pleasant Ave. Friends may call at 9 a.m.