July 6, 2025, 68, Goldsboro —
Charles Ray Flowers, 68, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Born in Wilson County on October 26, 1956, he was son to the late Arthur Ray Flowers and Margaret Peacock Flowers.
Charles Ray had a warm and welcoming spirit, and he truly loved the people and the farming community. He enjoyed spending time talking with anyone he came in contact with. He loved waking up early in the morning to go and have breakfast at Miss Ollie’s with the guys. He enjoyed hanging out with the guys from Big Boys and with the locals.
He was a lifelong fan of the UNC Tar Heels and NASCAR, especially his favorite driver, Richard Petty. Charles Ray found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. He loved nothing more than cooking out with family and friends, especially when serving up his famous Brunswick stew and enjoying a good hotdog. He enjoyed family gatherings filled with laughter and music.
Charles Ray was a lifelong farmer whose childhood days were spent with his parents, grandparents, big sister and his cousins on the family farm working in the tobacco houses. He was always happiest behind the wheel of a tractor or lawnmower. In high school, he was not only a proud member of the FFA but also served as the spirited mascot of the Kenly High School Class of 1975. Charles Ray was a member of Kenly Original Free Will Baptist Church and also attended Kenly Church of God. He loved gospel music and enjoyed singing in the church choir. One of his greatest joys was singing alongside his daughters and cousins.
He was proud of his two daughters, April and Christy, his son-in-law, German, his nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren who all loved him dearly and call him Big Papa. You would always hear Charles Ray brag about his family around town.
Charles is survived by his daughters, Christy Gachuz and husband, German, and April Rae Flowers; his grandchildren, Victoria Rae Ramos, Olivia Gachuz Watson and husband, Brandon, Tino Jacob Ramos and family, Alicia Rae Gachuz, Christian Ray Gachuz and Henry Ramos; his sister, Janice Pittman and husband, Jimmy; his former wife, Shelia Jones Flowers, her sons, Chris Jones and Brian Jones and wife, Brandi; grandchildren, Ella Jones, Toby Jones, and Ayden Jones; and his nephews, Mark Pittman and wife, Christy, and Michael Ray Pittman and wife, Andrea.
In addition to his parents, Charles is preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Barbour Flowers.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Kenly Funeral Service. A service to honor Charles’ life will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel with Pastor Aubrey Williamson, Pastor Howard Scott and Pastor Brian Wible officiating. Interment will conclude at the Kenly Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kenly Funeral Service.
