Gary "Coach" Wayne Ray

Gary “Coach” Wayne Ray, 76, of Oak Hill, WV passed away peacefully on March 12, 2026 surrounded by his family and loved ones following a short illness.

Gary was born on June 18, 1949 in Charleston, WV, the son of Harry Webster Ray and Myrtle Cora Ray. He grew up in Winfield, WV and was a proud General where he lettered in football and wrestling. He later attended Glenville State College where he majored in education. At Glenville, he was a four-year starter in football for the Pioneers and was named Second Team WVIAC All Conference during his junior year. It was here he met his beautiful wife, Cindy, with whom he celebrated 55 wonderful years on January 22. Gary was an active member of Theta Xi Fraternity at GSC.

In 1971, Gary “Coach” Ray began his tenure at Oak Hill High School, initially as a coach and teacher, eventually moving in the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director position, completing his tenure as Principal until 1997. From 1997-2001, Coach Ray was the Director of Schools for Fayette County Board of Education.

Gary became Assistant Executive Director of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission from 2001-2007 and served as Executive Director from 2007-2016.

Gary served on several boards and committees for the National Federation of High Schools and National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. One of his proudest accomplishments was establishing the West Virginia Athletic Director’s Association with his good friend Harold Erwin. Gary was still actively involved with the WVADA and enjoyed time spent with his WVADA family.

At the time of his death, he continued to serve as Vice-President of the Fayette County Board of Education. He continued to fight for the best education for all students in Fayette County. Gary was a loyal and faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church in Oak Hill for over 50 years.

Gary is preceded in death by his father, Harry, mother Myrtle, siblings Jim Johnson, Manuel Ray, Harry “Bub” Ray, Jr., and his sweet sister Cynthia Frazier.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Cindy Ray, his children Amy Bloomfield (Mark) and Adam Ray (Amanda), and the joys of his life, his grandchildren Derek Bloomfield, Nathan Bloomfield and Kendall Bloomfield, as well as his sisters-in-law, Sue Ray, Judy Gunter (George Grayiel) and Lisa Sargent. Gary will also be missed by several nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Visitation will be held on Monday March 16th from 4:00 to 8:00 at Calvary Baptist Church in Oak Hill, WV. A celebration of Gary’s life and legacy will be held at 1:00 Tuesday March 17th at Calvary Baptist Church with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Jim Truman and Bishop Sam Calloway will officiate the celebration service. Family is requesting all in attendance represent your favorite school in your school colors or school apparel. Coach Ray loved all from Red Devils to Mustangs, from Pioneers to Mountaineers!

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Youth (1424 Main St E Oak Hill, WV 25901), OHHS Alumni Association Gary Ray Scholarship (PO Box 462 Oak Hill, WV 25901) or GSU Athletic Trainer Scholarship Fund and Foundation Board (200 High Street Glenville, WV 26351.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tyreefuneralhome.com

The family of Gary "Coach" Ray is being cared for by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.