Charles Ray Doty

Charles Ray Doty, 84, of Newton passed away Friday, June 20th, 2025 at Carolina Caring. Born July 4th, 1940 he was the son of James Faye Doty and Bertha Mae Doty.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Aileen Davis Doty and his children and grandchildren; Candius Doty Campbell and granddaughter Elizabeth Margaret Campbell both of Newton; Charles Patrick Doty, wife Rebecca Burnette Doty, and grandsons Nicholas James Doty (Tessa Clanton, Fiancée) and Nathaniel Ray Doty of Newton. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law; Shirley Williams of Kings Mountain, Catherine Gibson of Shelby; and brothers-in-law; Hershel Davis, Jr (Teal) of Kings Mountain, Roger Davis (Jackie) of Belmont, Chester Davis (Sandra) of Gastonia, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his stepmother Marie Hamrick Doty; sisters and brothers James David Doty (Sue), Margaret Doty McSwain, Lucille Doty Lee (Berry), and Jack Houser Doty (Ruby).

Early in life, he served 4 years in the US Navy during the latter years of the Korean conflict and during the beginning of the war in Vietnam.

After his military service, he went on to receive an Associates Degree in Fire Technology and Arson Investigation from Cleveland County Community College and Technical Institute. He was a part of Fire Services for the state of NC for over 30 years, serving first as a fireman for the Shelby Fire Department then as an arson investigator and Fire Safety Inspector for Shelby before moving to Catawba county in 1981 to take on the role of Catawba County Fire Marshal. He was frequently a lecturer on various aspects of firefighting and arson investigation through Catawba Valley Community College. He ended his distinguished career as the chief of Newton City Fire Department.

He was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church and New Life Baptist Fellowship, both in Newton. He served many roles in the church, including deacon, building committee chair, church treasurer, and usher. He loved the Lord and spent his life in service to Him.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed woodworking, camping, fishing, and traveling. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Heart Association, the Firefighters Museum of Catawba County, or Carolina Caring of Catawba County.

The Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm, Thursday, June 26, 2025, Jenkins Funeral Home Chapel. 4081 Startown Road, Newton, NC 28658, Pastor Dr. Jeff Kautz will be officiating. Burial will follow at Jenkins Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 11:30am - 12:45pm, Thursday, June 26, 2025, Jenkins Funeral Home Celebration Center, 4081 Startown Road, Newton, NC 28658

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memorial Wall at www.jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Doty family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton 828-464-1555.