Born in an area of Prince Williams County known as Agneville on June 13, 1921, Reverend Frederick Lacy Ray was one of seven children born to Frederick Douglas Ray and Sarah Frances Lacey.
His early childhood education took place in Fauquier and Prince William County George Bell Elementary School in Washington, D.C. He attended Shaw Junior High School and later completed his general studies at Armstrong High School, in Washington, DC.
In 1942, he was drafted into the U.S. Air Force. He was honorably discharged in1946. He later reenrolled in Armstrong Adult High School night program. There he completed an electronics program and received a diploma of special achievement. His talents, skills and knowledge of electricity enabled him to advance to a Master Electrician, Supervisor, and Inspector, at the U.S. Naval Yard. He retired from that position on January 12, 1979, after 38 years of service.
In 1943, he married Mary Virginia Williams-Bates. They both loved and raised four children Robert Edward Bates, James Alton Bates, Fredericka Antoinette Baker and Natalia Frances Borden.
In 1966, Reverend Ray was licensed to the Gospel Ministry of Jesus Christ and became the pastor of Mount Olive Baptist Church in 1972. Under his leadership and teaching, the church body grew spiritually. He taught Bible study twice each week and traveled over 100 miles each week to teach in Petersburg Virginia. He ordained 10 ministers who are called the “sons of Mount Olive”.
Reverend Ray’s passion for social justice was demonstrated throughout the county and the state tirelessly. He served as President of the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for three terms. He served on the Prince William County Jail Board as an ad hoc member. He tirelessly worked for the Woodbridge Magisterial District for the Democratic Party as a poll worker and various other positions and duties. He accepted an invitation to deliver the inaugural prayer during the inauguration ceremony for former Governor Douglas Wilder.
In 1997, Reverend Ray along with Reverend Howard Moses founded the Biblical School of the Friends of Jesus Convention, which upon his death in 2000 was renamed the Frederick L. Ray Biblical Institute. The Institute was approved by the Education Department of the State of Virginia and now offers degrees today in Biblical studies.
Reverend Ray continued to counsel, teach and encourage all people without regard to economic status or race. His love for God and spreading the “Good News” was his conviction until God called him home on June 24, 2000.