Raymond is a native of Griffin, Georgia. A 1980 graduate of North Georgia College, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, he was commissioned an officer in the United States Army Engineer Corps. He served in numerous assignments both overseas and in the continental United States. In 1991 he left active duty, joining the United States Army Reserves and returning to Griffin to assist with his father’s business. Raymond worked in Real Estate until recalled to active duty for Operation Desert Storm. Raymond went on to work as a Federal Civil Servant until 1996 when he again returned to Griffin as General Manager for Dan J Smith Distributors, Inc from 1996 to 2008. Raymond worked with PetroSouth Inc. as the Central Division Manager from 2008 to 2015. He is currently retired from the United States Army and the petroleum industry. Raymond continued his education while serving on active duty. He worked toward his Master’s Degree in Business Administration with Embry Riddle Aeronautical College.

A Past President of the Griffin Daybreak Rotary Club (2008-2009), he was awarded the Sheffield Leadership Award. He was also awarded the “FOLLOW ME” award by Rotary District 6900 as the Assistant Governor of the Year in 2012. He is a Paul Harris Society Member served as Assistant Governor for the Barnesville, Griffin, Jackson-Butts County and Peachtree City Rotary Clubs from 2012-2015.

Raymond is married to the former Edith Dallas of Griffin, Georgia. Raymond and Edith have five children between them; Megan Burton, Amanda Warren, Toby Ray, Taylor Ray and Laurel Goins. They have seven grandchildren, Mykala and Easton Burton, Ansley & Sydney Ray, Raylan Goins and Brennan & Sara Reese Warren. Grandchild # 8 is due November, 2016. Raymond is the son of Grace and Raymond T Ray Sr. He has two older sisters, Gail Dean and Ginger Smith, and a twin brother Waymond. Raymond’s priorities include education, children’s health with a passion for Rotary! His interests include the outdoors, kayaking and reading.