Donald Edward Ray
Donald Edward Ray of Sagaponack died on Tuesday, December 18, after suffering a heart attack at his home. He was 74.
Born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, he graduated from Stetson University with a degree in physical education. Mr. Ray played soccer and football, and coached football, at David Millard Junior High School in Asheville, North Carolina, and at Owen High School in Black Mountain, North Carolina, after working for the University of North Carolina football team while in high school. He worked a number of years at Camp Rockmont, including as its director.
He worked for many years in the garment industry in New York, Atlanta and Boston. He then worked in restaurant management in New York, Charlotte and Boulder. Fine dining was a passion for him.
He spent the past 12 years as an estate manager in Manhattan and the Hamptons.
Mr. Ray is survived by a son, Niles Damon Ray and his wife Amie and their son Jordan, all of Manhattan.
A memorial service was held at United Methodist Church in Carrboro, North Carolina, on December 29. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Park Conservancy at centralparknyc.org.