School reflects on Ray's big role as he retires

Hank Ray

During that time, the maintenance supervisor says he has done some of "everything."

Ray was hired by the Greenway School District on Aug. 3, 1983. He was called upon for many different duties, working not only in maintenance, but also serving as a bus mechanic, bus driver, custodian and even as a substitute teacher for agriculture, study hall and math.

"When I started, they had me doing a little of everything," Ray said. "They pretty much sent me wherever they needed me. It was a small school and everybody had to help out."

When Greenway and Rector consolidated in 1984, Ray blended into the new Clay County Central District seamlessly with his quiet, friendly nature and willingness to work hard. His work began to focus mainly on maintenance and bus driving.

As a bus driver, Ray has been one of the early authority figures in the lives of many young students. He has greeted countless students from the driver's seat on the first day of classes, ensuring each one reached school safely.

In his maintenance duties, Ray has been called on to fix a number of problems which can spring out at a moment's notice during a typical school day. With a background in construction, he often has been called on for on-the-spot repairs to the many buildings which have occupied the various campuses through the years. Whether installing a new door, replacing damaged ceiling tiles, adjusting a new water fountain or attaching a new light fixture, Ray can be seen all over the school, doing his part to make everything the best it can be for the students and teachers.

Last month, Ray submitted his letter of resignation to the school board, sharing his intent to retire this summer. It was not an easy decision to make.

"I've enjoyed working at the school," said Ray, 66. "I've never had a job I enjoyed more. Every day there was something different happening. There's something funny happening every day."

Ray has long considered the students and his employees as a fringe benefit to his job.

"I like children. I've enjoyed seeing all the kids every day and watching so many of them grow up. I'm going to miss them and all the people I've gotten to know over the years. They're like family. It's been a treat."

Ray has been an important part of the Rector School District.

"We hate to see him leave," said Rector superintendent Rob Louder. "Not only because of all the work he's done, but because he's been a part of the lives of everyone here for so long. You can't replace someone like that. We're going to miss him an awful lot."

Ray says he hopes to spend more time with his wife of 44 years, Linda, after retirement. He also plans to do as much fishing as he can, heading to Reelfoot Lake when he can, as well as the St. Francis River, "if the bass come back."