Tracy Ray
Hickory – Hartzell Memorial United Methodist Church will observe Men’s Day on Sunday November 19 at the 11am service. The speaker, local community leader, Tracy Ray is a member of Hartzell. where he has served as Sunday school teacher for older youth and youth program coordinator. He is also the President of the senior Usher board, a member of the United Methodist Men, and a Certified Lay Servant. He holds a degree in biblical studies from Greater Dimension College of Theology.
Mr. Ray is the President of One Purpose Parks and Recreation Council, a non-profit organization that partners with Hickory Parks and Recreation Department, providing programs, activities, and special events for citizens of all ages. He is also the President of the Ridgeview Men of Action, which offers programs, activities, and mentoring for young people.
By applying his athletic skills and interests, he coached basketball at Grandview Middle School for three years before serving as Head Assistant Basketball coach for Hickory High School for ten years. Currently, he is employed by Arhaus Furniture as a Quality Control Inspector.
Ray recently received an award from the city of Hickory for Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in promoting Human Relations. In 2010 he received the Man of the Year award from Hartzell Church for his outstanding work in the church and the community.
Tracy was born in Lenoir, North Carolina, the youngest of eight children to the late Jurstine Patterson Ray. He is married to Cora (Nene) Ray. They have two children, Chiquita Dula and Zamari Ray, and two grandchildren, Ja’Kyran Dula and Bryson Ray.
Hartzell Church is located at 465 South Center Street, Hickory, NC. Reverend Cassandra Rawls is the Pastor.
