Willard Jackson "Jack" Ray was born March 31, 1926, in Woodbury, Georgia, Jack Ray graduated from Wetumpka High School and Troy State University and received a Graduate Degree from Auburn University

Ray got his first coaching job as an assistant at Wetumpka High School in 1951. The next season he took over the reins as the head football coach and had an outstanding 13-year coaching career with the Indians. From 1951 to 1964, Coach Ray compiled a record of 86-44-10 with three undefeated seasons.

His 1953 squad went 9-0-1 as did his 1963 and 1964 teams. Coach Rays overall football record is 86-55-7 in fifteen seasons as a head coach in Alabama.

Ray also coached basketball for four years at Wetumpka. He was instrumental in establishing the first permanent seats, restrooms, concession stands, irrigation system and field house during his tenure.

Coach Ray stepped down following the 1964 season to accept the head football position at Central High School in Phenix City. He remained with the program for three seasons before retiring from the sidelines. He also coached at Millry and Tallassee.

He was a retired pastor and also served as the Elmore County Superintendent of Education. Coach Jack Ray is widely known and respected not only as a great coach, but for the positive impact he has had upon countless young students for many years. He was inducted into the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame.