Ronald Wray

 

Ronald Edmonds Wray, 74 passed away on May 9, 2023 in Norfolk, VA. Ron was born on February 20, 1949 to Donald Washington and Katherine Elizabeth Wray in Terra Haute, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

Ron received a B.A. Journalism, Perdue University and a M.A. Education, Regent University. He was a published author, photographer, director and arts administrator of many nonprofit arts organizations and public institutions, a few of which include Ragdale Foundation, IL; Ucross Foundation, WY; Very Special Arts Montana, MT; National Institute of Art & Disabilities, CA; International Writer's Center, ODU, VA; Rockville Arts Place, MD, and Cultural Alliance of Greater Hampton Roads, VA. Ron received numerous awards in writing and leadership: Illinois Poet Laureate Award, Chicago Poets Award, D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Illinois Arts Council Award and Maryland Council for the Arts Award, which helped to publish "Americans: Lincoln and the Imperatives of Diversity".

In 2017, Ron retired from teaching English and composition from Norfolk Public Schools. Following retirement, he devoted his energies toward writing, music, travel, and the arts. His articles are found in many publications including Relix, VEER, No Depression, Folk Radio UK, and Coastal Virginia. Those left to cherish his memory are his spouse, Gayle Paul, family including Scott Edmonds, MJ Johnston, Evan and Emily Johnston, Kate and Speedo McFadden, William Bradford III, Shannon Liberto, Tara Ford, and his wife's family Cheryl Paul, Becky Anderson Schuelke, Mary Anderson Krause, Willie Anderson, Jackson Taylor Anderson, Robert Paul Jr., along with many extended family and friends. A Celebration of life will be held at the Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, July 9, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Donations in his memory may be made to the Portsmouth Museums Foundation, Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, 521 Middle St., Portsmouth, VA.