Dr. Wayne Thomas Ray, 82, of Russellville, passed away Aug. 27 at his home. Visitation will be held Sept. 2 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Russellville First Baptist Church, with a memorial service and celebration of his life directly following. A graveside service will be held at the Cedar Tree Cemetery in Hackleburg, Alabama.
Born March 24, 1943, he was a member of Russellville First Baptist Church where he served as deacon for many years. He attended Florence State on a football scholarship and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in secondary education. At the University of North Alabama, he worked on his administrative degrees and at Mississippi State, he received his doctorate in educational research.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 60 years, Lela Wright Ray; his children, Wayne Thomas Ray, Jr. (Lajeanna), Amanda Grace Ray Rushing (Heath); Jacob Ray (Harley); Heath Rushing (Corinne), McKenna Ray Joyner (Nate); Jon Douglas Rushing, Dylan Ray (Camryn), Brayden Ray, Thomas Rushing and Carolyn Rushing; and great- grandchild, Alice Caroline Ray and many Ray, Wright and Honeycutt nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, PJ and Reccie Cleveland Ray of Hackleburg, Alabama; and his 14 siblings: sisters – Lois Young Hughes, Mildred Penter Hire Fleming, Ruth McCall, Guynall Sanders, Ann Vickery and brothers: Carl, Shorty, Emmitt, Owen, Pete, Jimmy, Paul and Max.
Depending on the era in which you graduated from Russellville High School, “Coach Ray,” “Mr. Ray,” or “Dr. Ray,” was synonymous with Russellville City Schools. He first moved to Russellville as an assistant football coach and teacher in 1965, joining the football program that his brother, Pete, once led as head coach. Dr. Ray, a Hackleburg native, played a key role in the most successful era in Russellville football history, which included three state championships in 1966, 1967 and 1968.
He later served as head football coach of the Golden Tigers from 1973-1974 before moving into administration. He served as RHS principal until 1994 when he moved to the central office as assistant superintendent and later served as superintendent from 2000-2008. He has been recognized throughout the state of Alabama and the nation for his accomplishments.
Ray served Russellville schools for a total of 44 years in the roles of assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. As a coach, teacher and mentor he left an indelible mark on the community.
Dr. Ray was instrumental in the progress of the Russellville City Schools educational park during his tenure as superintendent and shaped countless lives through his leadership. Known for his unwavering dedication to education, he inspired students, families and colleagues alike.
During a career that spanned more than four decades, Dr. Ray’s leadership was a driving force in many key initiatives for Russellville City Schools and our community. His entire educational career was with Russellville City Schools. To Dr. Ray, there was nothing more important than supporting Russellville and the Golden Tigers, and he lived out that philosophy on a daily basis. It’s always great to be a Golden Tiger! In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Dr. Wayne Ray scholarship, RCS education foundation in care of Russellville City Schools Board Of Education Office at 1945 Waterloo Road Russellville Alabama 35653.
