Charles J. Brey, age 82 of Big Rapids passed Thursday, January 1, 2009 at his home. He was born May 30, 1926 in Kansas City, Missouri to Eugene and Agnes (Frank) Brey. He was honorable discharged from the Army Air Corp serving as an aerial gunner during World War II. Charles was a free lance commercial artist in New York City from 195l to 1972. He moved to Big Rapids in 1973 and was an art instructor at Ferris State University until his retirement in 1992. Charles was an avid sailor and an amateur pianist. He is survived by a son Carter ( Ilaria) Brey ,of New York City; a granddaughter, Ottavia Brey ,and a grandson, Lucas Brey both of New York City; a sister, Marilyn Minihan, of Colorado Springs, CO; and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Donald. There will be a gathering to remember Charles at Szot's Bar and Grill on Sunday, January 4th from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Arrangements were entrusted to the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Condolences may be left online at daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com