Ray was a navy pilot and Weapons System Specialist for 28 years. He served in 5 Squadrons and held several positions in research and development including Deputy Director of Navy Laboratories, Deputy Program Manager of the Aegis System, and Commanding Officer of the Naval Coastal Systems Center.

After retirement from the Navy as a Captain, he worked for Lockheed Missiles and Space Company for 10 years as a senior Advanced Systems Engineer. He held degrees from the University of Texas, U.S. Navy Post Graduate School, the University of Northern Colorado, and was a Distinguished Graduate of the U.S. Naval War College.