On Mother's Day, May 10, 2026, John Clarence Ray Jr., 93, was reunited with his beloved wife, Jeanette, after 22 years of separation.

The longtime voice of WOUB Public Media, John spent his life connecting people — through the airwaves, public service, Ohio University, and friendships across Athens and southeastern Ohio.

John was born on March 4, 1933, in eastern Kentucky and was raised in Kenova, West Virginia. Family tradition holds that John entered the world as his family was crossing the Big Sandy Bridge. A proud member of Ceredo-Kenova High School's 1950 graduating class of 62 students, John was active in marching band, vocal performance, church, and theater, and remained close with his classmates for more than 60 years. He earned his bachelor's degree in Marketing and Retailing from Marshall University. While in college and working in Huntington, John met the love of his life, Jeanette, a beautician who became his partner in all things until her passing in 2004.

Before joining Ohio University, John worked for Norfolk & Western Railroad, Allied Chemical, Procter & Gamble, and in commercial radio and television, including news film work for WCHS Television in Charleston, West Virginia. He later earned a Master of Fine Arts in Radio-Television from Ohio University.

In 1965, John came to Ohio University Public Radio, where he spent the remainder of his career and became a familiar voice across southeastern Ohio. At WOUB, he produced "Afternoon Edition" and helped train generations of students and media professionals, giving them opportunities to learn, grow, and take the microphone themselves.

John believed deeply in radio as public service. Through Consumer Hotline, Pollution Hotline, Action Line, Job Central, and Green Thumb, he connected listeners with information, resources, employment opportunities, and practical help. His service to Ohio University also extended beyond the studio, including many years on the Ohio University Administrative Senate, where he represented administrative staff and contributed to university governance. Upon retirement, John was honored by Ohio University with emeritus status as Senior Radio Producer Emeritus.

For loyal listeners, the day was not over until they heard his signature sign-off: "...and this is John Ray."

John's connection to Ohio University extended to Bobcat athletics as well. For decades, he was a fixture at home football games, first working the Will Call window and later greeting fans at the stadium entrance. He also loved attending Ohio University basketball and volleyball games and was a proud member of Jan's Fans, a devoted group of Bobcat supporters who traveled widely for away games, tournaments, and international events.

John's commitment to public service extended throughout his life. He gave decades of volunteer leadership to the American Cancer Society, including local and statewide chairman and executive committee roles. He also served through Sertoma, the Masons, the Athens High School Band Boosters, the Boy Scouts sustaining membership drive, the Athens County Community Services Council, and the Athens County Bicentennial Celebration.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanette Ray; his parents, John Clarence Ray Sr. and Ruby Ray; his brothers, Cecil Ray and Charles Ray; and his sister, Marietta Ray.

He is survived by his children: Dr. Jennifer Ray-Mader and her husband, Joe, of Cokato, Minnesota; Brad Ray and his wife, Barcy, of Kingsport, Tennessee; and James Ray and his wife, Dena, of Conroe, Texas.

He is also survived by his grandsons, Justin Ray and his wife, Brianna, of Ashville, Ohio, and August Mader and his wife, Micaela, of Hopkins, Minnesota; his great-grandchildren, Tucker Ray and James Everett Ray; and his grandchildren by marriage, Alexis Lipoma of Kingsport, Tennessee, and Josh Layne of Columbus, Ohio.

The family thanks Dave and Jane Nogrady, Becky Bailey, Rusty Smith, Lindley Inn, OhioHealth Hospice, Dr. Gau, and the Richland Methodist Church family for their care and support.

In a final expression of his love for and commitment to Ohio University, John donated his body to its Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.

In accordance with John's wishes, there will be no formal service. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

"...and this is John Ray."

Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.