By Donna Cornelius
This year’s king of the Beaux Arts Krewe has had a variety of life experiences, from highlights in his real estate career to involvement in a host of civic and church activities. But one of the strongest influences on Henry Ray, now president and co-owner of Ray & Poynor Properties, occurred when he was just a teenager.
After a childhood in Sylacauga that Henry said was full of great memories, his parents, Lola Vann Pollard Ray and Henry Barnes Ray Sr., wanted him to expand his horizons by attending The Webb School in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. That meant leaving home and the good friends he’d made while growing up.
“After graduating, I realized what a big impact that had on my life,” Henry said. “I was involved in debate, where I learned communication skills and how to act and speak in public. I played football and basketball. I wasn’t a star, but sports did teach me the value of being a team member. The whole experience taught me independence and made my circle bigger.”
After high school, Henry earned a bachelor’s degree in finance at the University of Alabama and then went on to attend Cumberland School of Law. But he left Cumberland with more than a juris doctor degree. While still a student there, he met his future wife, Birmingham native Carolyn Smith McDavid.
Military service in the U.S. Army followed law school. After stints at Ft. Polk in Louisiana and Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri, Henry entered Officer Training School at Ft. Benning in Georgia, where he graduated as a second lieutenant. After he and Carolyn married in 1970, they immediately moved to Ft. Knox in Kentucky; Henry entered the Army’s Armor School there and graduated as a first lieutenant.
The next stop for the couple was Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, for Henry to be deployed to Vietnam. But he was tapped for the Army’s JAG Corps and remained at Ft. Campbell for the rest of his tour.
After three years of service to his country, Henry and Carolyn moved to Birmingham. Henry said he was torn between law and his love of real estate. But Carolyn had some encouraging words for her young husband.
“I told him, ‘Whatever you do, I know you’ll do it well,’” she said.
Henry’s first job in Birmingham was working for the Rudulph Real Estate Co.
“The Rudulphs had a significant impact on my real estate career,” he said.
Early on, Henry got involved with real estate boards. He was president of both the Birmingham and Alabama associations of Realtors and was named Realtor of the Year by both organizations. That led to his participation with the National Association of Realtors. He was vice president of that group and is a member of its board of directors. He also received one of the national organization’s most prestigious honors – its Distinguished Service Award.
The Rays are dedicated to church and civic activities. They’re longtime members of Independent Presbyterian Church, where he is a deacon and a member of the session, which is a governmental body of the church. Carolyn also is a deacon and a member of the church’s guild.
Among the many organizations in which Henry has an active role are the UAB School of Nursing advisory board, the Parkinson Association of Alabama, Magic Moments, the St. Vincent’s Foundation board and the Downtown Rotary Club. He also has a special interest in the Birmingham Historical Society.
“I like to know the history of the houses we sell,” he said. “The people who buy these houses want to know, also.”
Besides looking at real estate, Henry in his downtime enjoys the peace and quiet of Lake Martin, bird hunting at Five Star Preserve and traveling. He is a member of the Country Club of Birmingham, Mountain Brook Club and Willow Point Golf and Country Club on Lake Martin.
He recently faced a taxing time when the Ray & Poynor building in Mountain Brook Village burned in the early hours of Nov. 16. He said he’s grateful no one was hurt and humbled by the “incredible support” he’s had from his community.
“And speaking of support, our fire department is the finest and unbelievably caring,” Henry said.
Henry and Carolyn have two sons: Webster McDavid Ray, who will be a guardian for the king’s box at the ball, and Henry Barnes Ray III, who is married to Margaret Seibels Ray and who will be one of the king’s dukes. Granddaughters Margaret Leary Ray and Laurie Price Ray are among the train bearers for their grandfather – whom they call “Doo Dah.”
Other dukes are John Fletcher Abele Jr., Arthur Phillip Cook Jr., Carey Parks Gilbert II, Dr. Leland Hull Jr., Thomas Atkinson Roberts, James Whitfield Waitzman Jr. and Guy Allen Weatherford Jr.
Serving with Webster as guardians will be Christopher Grant Abele and John Allen Roberts.
Along with granddaughters Leary and Price, the children tapped as train bearers are Sally Frances Blair, Annie James Clay, Laura Thomas Clay, Katherine Estes Vaughn, Catherine Sullins Whatley, Charles Sheppard Caldwell Whatley and James Vann Worthen Jr.
Aladdin Is the Ball Theme
The ball, long one of Birmingham’s most anticipated social events, is set for Feb. 17 at Boutwell Auditorium. This year’s theme is a magical one: Aladdin.
Thirty-two young women will be presented at the ball. One will be crowned queen; her identity is always a secret until the big night – and three others will be ladies in waiting.
Henry has been a member of the Beaux Arts Krewe for about 25 years. He’s proud that the Krewe is a supporter of the Birmingham Museum of Art.
“It’s helped me realize the importance and significance of our museum,” Henry said. “How special it is that year after year, our museum is one of the finest in the country. Its history, collections and leadership are unequaled.”
Henry learned he’d been chosen as king from his friend George Wheelock.
“George asked to meet me at my office, and I thought he was looking for some real estate advice,” Henry said, laughing. “Little did I know; he gave me a letter from the Beaux Arts Krewe asking me to be king.”
Henry said he appreciates the hard work of his fellow Krewe members, including former kings, and their wives.
“They work so diligently every year to make the Krewe Ball successful,” he said, adding that Elon Allen, the Krewe’s corresponding secretary, is the “glue to the ultimate success of the ball.”
Carolyn is looking forward to the event and her husband’s role in it.
“He was just overwhelmed to be chosen,” she said.
Those who know Henry won’t be surprised at his philosophy for living, saying it’s all about “faith, family and friends.”
“Make others comfortable before you are comfortable,” he said.
