Faculty Emeritus Barry Ray recalled, in his Oct. 16 speech to former colleagues and students, graduating from Sewanee: The University of the South and immediately going to work as a history teacher at an all-boys college preparatory school in Memphis, Tenn.
From 1978 until his retirement 46 years later, it was his one and only job, and when asked early in his career by his father if he was happy – or if he would consider a more lucrative job – Ray gave a simple, yet resounding answer:
“Dad, I get up in the morning and I look forward to going to work. I get home at night and I look at myself in the mirror, and not a day has gone by that I haven’t been able to say, ‘you made a positive difference in somebody else’s life.'”
Ray faltered, overcome with emotion, before looking up from the podium.
“Dad, that’s worth more than any amount of money I might make.”
His father never questioned him again.
On Oct. 16, 2025, Ray joined friends, colleagues and family in the newly-renamed Ingram Dining Hall for his ceremonial portrait unveiling to celebrate a life well-spent teaching and coaching.
Created by the Alumni Executive Board (AEB) in 2005, portrait unveilings serve to honor Memphis University School faculty members by immortalizing them in paint and giving them a designated spot along the walls of the Dining Hall and Campus Center.
To qualify, one must not be a current faculty member, and one must have served MUS for a minimum of 15 years.
This portrait was the work of Texas City, Texas artist Eddie Filer Jr., who boasts a three decade career and an emphasis on classic portraiture. His work is fitting for this occasion, given that Filer has taught art at both the high school and collegiate levels, as well as regularly held workshops to share his experience with the younger generations, as Ray did in his classroom, administrative and athletic leadership.
AEB President-elect Jeremy Alpert ’91 led the ceremony, inviting featured speakers Headmaster Pete Sanders, Math Instructor Loyal Murphy ’86 and Thorn Society President Pat Hopper ’89 to speak on Ray’s life and legacy.
“Despite changes in the halls and the faces that fill them, our faculty have been the constant,” said Alpert. “Their unwavering commitment to provide the highest quality teaching, coaching and mentoring, all while creating experiences that our alumni treasure for a lifetime, helps set the MUS experience apart.”
Alpert attended nomination meetings that selected Ray – known by MUS students and faculty as Coach Ray – for this honor.
“I can say there’s an impressive list of former faculty… that we have to choose from… often, the voting goes on for many rounds. So, it’s no small feat to end up on these walls.”
Alpert also shared thanks and anecdotes on his personal experiences with Ray, and his teachings – big and small.
“But most significantly, he taught us… that we could do hard things. We left MUS knowing that Coach Ray, and MUS, prepared us and gave us the confidence to face head-on whatever we may encounter.”
Headmaster Pete Sanders took the stage and provided a detailed recollection of Ray’s time at MUS, from his humble beginnings as a social studies teacher to his final administrative role as assistant headmaster at his retirement. He also outlined his athletic experiences coaching the wrestling team and working alongside close friend and former varsity football coach Bobby Alston to win the 1985 state championship.
“Barry was known for running a tight ship, holding students to a high standard in academics, and behavior, and they love him for it. He matched his rigor, this rigor with a willingness to talk and listen with students in a warm and engaging manner.”
“He always took care of me,” said Loyal Murphy ’86 in his address.
Having intimately worked alongside Ray for the entirety of his career and holding positions preceded by Ray, Murphy spoke exceptionally of Ray and the guidance which he graciously gave to students and teachers alike.
For Murphy, Ray was more than a colleague. He was a mentor, and a man to fall back on in times of struggle.
“For five years I had the opportunity to try Coach Ray’s old post, I had the opportunity to be the Lower School principal… and now I get it. Neither side of that door is easy, and I’ve lost track of the number of times I went to Coach Ray in the Upper School to ask for help.”
“I’d close [the door to Ray’s office] and [Ray would] begin, ‘Coach Murphy, I’m sure that you’re doing fine.’ All that time, Coach Ray remained consistent. Listening, caring, reflecting and advising. Believing in me more than I did myself.”
Murphy thanked Ray for his mentorship, as well as his strengthening of the school and leaving “ripples” in the water around him for thousands of young men.
“From the alma mater, to our ‘friend and leader,’ thanks Coach.”
After brief remarks by Thorn Society President Pat Hopper ’89, Ray’s portrait was unveiled. He promptly stated that he would not apologize for his emotion as he spoke about his countless years serving MUS.
Ray expressed his gratitude and thanked former mentors and colleagues, his family – especially his wife, Patti – as well as sharing personal stories from his time at MUS.
Ray concluded his emotional speech in true Coach Ray fashion, with a resounding “Go Bama, Roll Tide!” in a reference to the third Saturday of October, the famed Tennessee vs. Alabama football matchup. Longtime Alabama fan Ray got his wish, as the Crimson Tide came out with a 37-20 victory.
He exited the stage to a standing ovation, and spent the entirety of the night sharing hugs and stories with former alums, students and colleagues.
However, even in his retirement, the student remains in Ray’s mind. When asked afterwards about a final message to the student body, Ray thought for a moment, but decided to speak from the heart:
“Work hard. Do your best. Be willing to accept the outcome; if you’ve done your best, and you’ve worked hard, you have nothing to be ashamed of and you have nothing to apologize for.”
“Just do what you know you can do to the best of your ability, and everything will work out OK.”
