Robert Franklin Ray

Crawford County- Robert Franklin Ray, Crawford County farmer and former State Representative, died May 29, 2018. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, May 31 from 5 to 7pm in the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall located at 209 South Miller Street in Fort Valley. Services will be held at the First Baptist Church on Friday, June 1 at 11am. A private burial will be held at the family cemetery.

A fourth generation farmer, agriculture was truly part of Ray’s DNA. He was born on the family farm in Crawford County to the late William McCrary Ray and Thelma Crutchfield Ray. Ray was immersed in helping run the family’s farm, helping plant and harvest row crops (wheat, soybeans and peanuts) and peaches on the family operation. He would often comment that there was no need to legalize gambling in the state because those who farmed were already involved in high stake risks and challenges everyday.

While the 100-year-old farm has now transitioned to primarily pecan orchards, Ray’s passion for agriculture and representing the hard working people in his community prompted his interest in public service. He was elected president of the Crawford County Farm Bureau at age 19 and by age 22, as a member of the Crawford County Board of Commissioners. That was followed by two terms on the Crawford County Board of Education. He also served as the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s assistant commissioner for marketing and as manager of the State Farmers Market in Macon.

Ray’s many experiences in public service led to his 24-year tenure in the Georgia State Legislature where he represented Crawford County as well as portions of Peach, Houston, Monroe, Bibb, Lamar and Upson counties. While in the House of Representatives, Ray was a member of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Appropriations, Industry and Rules, House Journals and Small Business committees and served as chairman of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee.

Throughout his tenure, he was committed to insuring the interests of farmers were supported and protected. For example, he led the charge to give poultry farmers rights in contract negotiations. He also championed legislation and funding that supported education and economic development, including the establishment of the state’s system of tourism routes including the Peach Blossom trail and the creation of toll-free calling zones in the Middle Georgia area. Ray had the reputation for being plain spoken. Although a lifelong conservative Democrat, he worked across the aisles to get things accomplished.

Ray further served his community and farming profession as a member of Crawford and Peach County Farm Bureau, the local Jaycees and Kiwanis clubs, Peach County and Roberta/Crawford Chambers of Commerce, Atlanta and Middle Georgia Farmers Clubs, Crawford County Historical Society, Georgia Forestry Commission Board, Ocmulgee Soil and Water Conservation District, the Georgia Agribusiness Council and the University of Georgia Ag Alumni Association.

Ray received many awards and recognitions during his career. He was the first Georgian to receive the “Iron Eyes Cody Award” from the National Keep America Beautiful organization, and recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Roberta/Crawford Chamber. Other awards included the Peach County Chamber of Commerce Durwood Gassett Man of the Year, Georgia Outstanding Young Farmer and an honorary American FFA degree from the National FFA Organization.

Besides being the owner of Robert Ray Farms, Ray was also a licensed real estate agent and truck/auto dealer. An astute negotiator, he took great pride in the art of making a deal. He loved his family and his dogs and counted it a privilege to still live on the same farm where he was born and raised.

A member of the Fort Valley First Baptist Church, Ray is survived by his wife, Jennifer Pike Ray; his brother, Dr. James Ray (Mary); his children, Lisa Grovenstein (John) of Lilburn, Robin Ray of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Bob (Karen) Ray of Perry and Adam (Leah) Ray of Lexington, KY; their mother, Jean Hortman Ray; grandchildren: Jack (Meghan) and Evan (Mary) Grovenstein and Callie, Rob, Ethan and Luke Ray along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers Helene Ray Newby, Richard Ray, Joyce Ray Hatchett, Danny Ray and Billie Ray Beck.

In lieu of flowers and in support of the future of agriculture in Georgia, donations can be made to Georgia FFA Foundation, P.O. Box 237 Swainsboro, GA 30401 or by giving online atwww.georgiaffa.org/foundation/ or donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of Fort Valley designated to the “Better Together” Fund. Rooks Funeral Home in Fort Valley is in charge of arrangements.