THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, January 3, 1995 TAG: 9501030038
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B8 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
Dr. Sam Ward Ray Jr., a distinguished Norfolk educator, died on Jan. 1, 1995, at the Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N.C.
Dr. Ray, 74, was a native of Marion, Va. He had been a resident of Norfolk since 1942, Dr. Ray graduated from Appalachian State University and received his master's and doctoral degrees from New York University. He had additional graduate work at the University of Virginia and the College of William and Mary.
After serving in the Pacific as a Naval officer in World War II, Dr. Ray returned to Norfolk as a teacher in the Norfolk Public Schools. In 1985, after a 39 year career as a teacher, principal and administrator, he retired as deputy superintendent for the Norfolk Public Schools. He was a member of many professional organizations and was the recipient of numerous professional honors.
Dr. Ray was an active member of his church, the Second Presbyterian Church of Norfolk, serving as an Elder for 32 years. At his death, he was chairman of the Tidewater Westminster Homes, Incorporated of the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia.
Dr. Ray was an active participant and leader in the Tidewater area, serving as past president of the Optimist Club of Norfolk, past governor of the Capital-Virginia District of Optimist International, past president of the Norfolk-Virginia Beach Executive Club, past chairman of the YMCA of Norfolk, past vice-chairman of the Tidewater Council of the Boy Scouts of America and past president of the Children's Camp and Care Fund. Recently he had been chairman of Drug Education and Prevention for the Norfolk Public Schools. He was also active in many other civic organizations.
Among his many honors, he received the Distinguished Educator Award presented by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Distinguished Service Award presented by the Governor's Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
He was a member of the Norfolk Sports Club, Redwing Seniors Golf Association and the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club.
Dr. Ray is survived by his wife, Anne McLean Ray; a daughter, Carol Ray Stokes of Richmond; a son, Richard Todd Ray of Virginia Beach; a brother, Joseph W. Clawson of Marion, Va.; and six grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church in Norfolk at 2 p.m. Jan 4. Burial will be private in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Norfolk. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sam W. Ray Jr. Memorial Fund of the Second Presbyterian Church, 7305 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, Va. 23505, or to the charity of your choice. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel, is handling arrangements.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB