Faculty Portrait Series

W. Barry Ray

Eddie Filer, Portrait Artist

When Barry Ray interviewed at Memphis University School in 1978, he was fresh from The University of the South with a degree in political science. Headmaster Ross Lynn wrote on his resume, “good impression.”  Those words would be prescient.

Coach Ray soon began a 46-year teaching, coaching, and administrative career. Along the way, he earned a master’s in education administration from the University of Memphis, a degree that would serve him well in his leadership roles.

First impacting the Athletic Department, he was an assistant coach in wrestling, track, and baseball and ascended to head wrestling coach (1980-90). For varsity football he started as the offensive line coach and coached the defensive tackles and inside linebackers from 1978-83, when he became defensive coordinator. In this role he helped lead the Owls to our first state championship, in 1985.

Coach Ray is remembered by generations of Owls for his leadership as principal of the Lower School (1990-96) and for a long, distinguished tenure as principal of the Upper School (1996-2024). Known for running a tight ship, he held students to a high standard in academics and behavior. He matched this rigor with a willingness to talk and listen to students in a warm, engaging manner. His final administrative role was as assistant headmaster from 2018-24. Over the years, he stayed connected to the classroom by teaching history.

Through it all Coach Ray modeled the virtues of the school motto, Veritas Honorque, as he also modeled an unmatched sense of sartorial style.