Ray was born in Weymouth in 1947 but spent many years in Devon before moving back to Dorset in 1991. After leaving Grammar school he studied fine art at Plymouth Art College. Whilst at college, Ray exhibited at the Penwith Gallery in St. Ives alongside Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth and others.

This led to a ten year career producing graphics and exhibitions for Plymouth City Council before embarking on his first venture, selling antiquarian prints and also picture framing in 1974. A move back to Weymouth saw the opening of a gallery in Brewers Quay. Following in 1999 was the Gallery 'Art in the Square' in Hope Square. During this period, Ray's paintings - watercolours, acrylics and mixed media, have found a home in hundreds of collections world wide. His wet on wet technique, though difficult to control, has produced many evocative images of the sea, coast and the beautiful countryside of Dorset.