Ray was born August 27, 1946, in Tacoma Park, Maryland, the son of the late Otto Ruhling and Gertraud L. Daugherty.
He graduated from American University, where he was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.
Surviving is his wife of 53 years, Linda Griffith Ruhling; two sons, Erik Ruhling and wife Sarah Coburn of Tennessee and Joshua Ruhling and wife Summer of Woodstock, Virginia; one sister, Anita Sapp and husband David of Minneapolis, Minnesota; brother, Robert Ruhling and wife Holly of Scientists Cliff, Maryland; and five grandchildren, Winter, Silas, Anneliese, Astrid and Alice.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Winchester, Virginia 22601.