Born April 14th, 1951, to Louise Crosby and Alphonso Herbin in Greensboro, NC. Ray spent his youth growing up near J.C Price and running around Southside Greensboro with his friends and cousins Jerome Presley, John Tyson, James Lewis Tyson, Robert Griffin, Billy Washington, Danny Garner, Philando Moon, Larry Michael, Hodges Stevens, Michael Pitt, Kieth Gilman, and Larry Chavis to name a few. When he wasn't selling apples and tomatoes, it's been said that Ray was keen on playing cards.

Ray was a 1970 graduate of Dudley High School where he was a member of the football, track and wrestling teams. Upon graduation, he attended N.C. A&T State University on a track scholarship. Ray had known his beloved wife Jocelyn since their days at J.C. price and Dudley. Jocelyn was working at Western Electric and Ray was attending A&T when they reconnected at Elizabeth Burch's house and began dating; they married on August 31, 1973, culminating in 52 years of marriage.

Ray was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 1977, after being stationed at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota. He returned to Greensboro and after a short stint at Glidden Paint, Ray began his Career at IBM where he would work for nearly 40 years before retiring. He was also a long-time member of St. Paul Baptist Church, serving as a trustee, on the Usher Board, and in the Male Chorus.

Ray was a passionate supporter of Dudley  High School, serving as the President and Vice President of the Dudley Athletic Booster Club. He was known for cooking fish and chicken at football games. He also served as a founding member and the first president of the James B. Dudley Hall of Fame/ Hall of Distinction, as well as as a 2005 inductee into the Hall of Distinction. His love for Dudley is unmatched; he bled Dudley Blue and Gold. A true Panther for life!

Ray is survived by his wife Jocelyn, children; Brain (Melody) and Jennifer, three grandchildren Michaela, Martin, and Malcom, brothers Micheal, Anthony (a.k.a Bucket) and Willie Jr., sisters Alma, Angela, and Josephine, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is pre-deceased by his mother Louise and father Alphonso, brothers Joe Nathan, Darryl, Lonnie and sisters Alpatricia and Loretta.

A homegoing celebration will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at St. Paul Baptist Church, 1309 Larkin Street, Greensboro; visitation with the family begins at 11:00 am followed by the service at 11:30 am.  Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery.