Prior to coming home where he now teaches Theatre Arts, primarily production design,  at Amarillo College, Ray spent 10 years in Dallas/Fort Worth and New Orleans.  After completing his B.A. at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth and his M.F.A. at Tulane University in New Orleans, Ray taught for the University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Wesleyan University, and Tarrant County College in Arlington.

In addition, he has freelanced for the Fort Worth Theatre, Hip Pocket Theatre, Granbury Opera House, Water Tower Theatre, and Dallas Theatre Center. Ray has also had the pleasure of working with the New Orleans Opera Association as a scenic artist, and Irene Corey Design Associates (makers of the Barney® character).  Currently, he freelances in Amarillo and the surrounding area as a designer and consultant for Lone Star Ballet and Parie Designs, a wedding and events company.

As a performer, Ray has been seen at Amarillo College, Amarillo Summer Arts Festival, Texas Wesleyan University, Tarrant County College, Amarillo Little Theatre, and Merely Players.  Additionally, he has directed numerous shows for AC, Merely Players, and Delta Psi Omega.

Currently, in addition to teaching at AC, he serves as faculty sponsor for Delta Psi Omega at Amarillo College and as a critic judge and contest manager for UIL. He has previously served as the Region 6 Texas Chair for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival and as the University/College Vice President and Scholarship Coordinator for Texas Educational Theatre Association. In 2004, Ray received the Teacher of the Year Award for Community Colleges from the TxETA.