Ray was born in North Wales and raised in Conwy where he now lives. He joined the Royal Navy in 1959, where he served for 10 years.

After spending 10 years in the Royal Navy, Ray left and joined the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service where he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer.

From the Royal Navy, he then worked as a contracted electrician until 1972, which is when he joined the Home Office. He then stayed with the Home Office until his retirement in 2000.

He is an active member of the Royal Naval and the Royal Marines Associations.