Ray was born July 17, 1958, in Amarillo, TX to James Richard and Patricia Whittington Payne. Ray wrestled his way through high school at Putnam City earning All-State honors. Due to his high school accomplishments, Ray was awarded a full scholarship to the wrestling team at the University of Nebraska. He wrestled for Nebraska for a year and then transferred to Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. He then transferred one final time to Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK where he completed his bachelor's degree in accounting and finance. Even though his wrestling career came to an end, he still loved keeping up with the sport. Before his retirement Ray worked for the Chickasaw Nation in the accounting department for 10 years. In his spare time, when he wasn't working or watching wrestling and UT sports, Ray loved to be out on the golf course. Ray enjoyed growing vegetables and would often be found in his garden or greenhouse and he made sure to share his bounty with others.

Ray was preceded in death by his sister, Kelly Payne Ricks of Blanchard, Ok.

Survivors include his wife Debby Payne; his parents, James and Patricia; two sons, Travis Ray Payne of Weatherford, OK and Austin James Payne and wife Haleigh of San Antonio; two step-sons, Calvin Smith of Dallas, TX and Bradley Smith and wife Rachel of Greencastle, IN; grandchildren, Maverick, Riley, Trigger, and Paisely; step-grandchildren, Tanis, Kimber, Macie, and Carl; brother-in-law, Dusty Ricks of Blanchard, OK.; nephew, Colby Ricks and wife Chelsey, and great-nephew, Colter Ricks, also of Blanchard; aunts, Sue Lawrence of Amarillo, TX, Diane Mason of Amarillo, and Gail Crowder of Vail, CO; numerous cousins and other family and friends.