Rep. Robert Ray, Georgia, long time SARL member passes

Crawford County, GA- Robert Franklin Ray, Crawford County farmer and former State Representative, died May 29, 2018. A fourth generation farmer, agriculture was truly part of Ray's DNA. He was born on the family farm in Crawford County to the late William McCrary Ray and Thelma Crutchfield Ray. Ray was immersed in helping run the family's farm, helping plant and harvest row crops (wheat, soybeans and peanuts) and peaches on the family operation. He would often comment that there was no need to legalize gambling in the state because those who farmed were already involved in high stake risks and challenges everyday.
While the 100-year-old farm has now transitioned to primarily pecan orchards, Ray's passion for agriculture and representing the hard working people in his community prompted his interest in public service. He was elected president of the Crawford County Farm Bureau at age 19 and by age 22, as a member of the Crawford County Board of Commissioners. That was followed by two terms on the Crawford County Board of Education. He also served as the Georgia Department of Agriculture's assistant commissioner for marketing and as manager of the State Farmers Market in Macon.
Ray's many experiences in public service led to his 24-year tenure in the Georgia State Legislature where he represented Crawford County as well as portions of Peach, Houston, Monroe, Bibb, Lamar and Upson counties. While in the House of Representatives, Ray was a member of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Appropriations, Industry and Rules, House Journals and Small Business committees and served as chairman of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee.