Ray was born December 20, 1928 in Granite, OK. His parents moved to Arkansas when he was a young boy. He learned to play the Harmonica at age nine and entertained his class mates during recess.

Ray started playing the Guitar at the age of fifteen. But after attending a concert and hearing James Evens ( Fiddle Player) and the Ozark Mountaineers, he decided he knew that the fiddle was the musical instrument that he would love to play. He played the fiddle at every opportunity while gaining experience with several bands in Little Rock, Arkansas. In 1948 he joined Melody Playboys and played on a radio station KLCN.

While playing with the Melody Playboys he received his draft notice. While at Fort Chaffee he joined Chaplin John Quick band the CCB's which was made up of GI'S in the 70th Medium Tank BTLN. The Band traveled to entertain and played on radio station KWHN in Fort Smith, AR.

He was discharged on December 11, 1952 and married Pat on December 13, 1952.
They moved to Dallas, TX in January of 1953. He joined a band that included Maurice Anderson, Billy McBay, Bobby McBay and Walter Lyons. Later he joined Dewey Groom's band The Texas Longhorn. Ray also played on a television show called The Country Picnic.

Ray joined the Crosstimbers Opry in January, 1979. He remained at the Opry for twelve years. He joined the Burleson Jamboree and was there for five years. Ray started playing with Hank Thompson and The Brazos Valley Boys in 1992. He is still a member of The Brazos Valley Boys.

Ray has backed several other entertainers such as Jack Green, Buck Trent, Norma Jean, Sammy Smith, Claude Gray, Merle Travis. Ray played at The Ernest Tubb Record Shop until December, 2008. when he wasn't playing with Hank Thompson.

Ray say's he will play the fiddle as long as he is able and The Lord is willing.