Roger Ray was born on April 7, 1935 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the third child of Lonnie Ray and Louise Ray-Finney. Roger grew up in Baltimore City and attended Baltimore City Public Schools. As a young man he enjoyed playing basketball and spent most of his free time reading books and writing poetry. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Lonnie Ray and Louise Ray-Finney. His wife, Catherine Ray, his four brothers Lonnie Jr., Edward, Anthony, Martin and his sister Ianthin Eaton. He leaves to mourn two brothers James Morgan and Michael, two sisters Portland Rucker, Brenda Minten-Johnson and a host of nieces and nephews. As well as his special friend Lauyrie Bodie.