Resident Spotlight: Raymond Price
At The Harbor at Opelika, we’re honored to have the remarkable Raymond “Ray” Price as part of our family. Born in Opelika, Alabama, Ray’s life has been filled with adventure, service, and stories that span the globe.
As the son of a dedicated Army soldier, Ray moved often in his early years, living in Montgomery, Meridian (Mississippi), and even Japan. While in Japan, young Ray joined a group called The Singing Cowboys, performing on the radio—a highlight that still brings a smile to his face.
When Ray’s father retired from the Army, the family settled in Houston, Texas, where his dad became a salesman for an orange juice company. Ray attended Meridian High School, running track (the mile relay and 100-yard dash) and playing football. He was active in his church, where he helped clean the basement—a favorite hangout thanks to its ping pong tables. During high school, Ray also worked in the automotive department at Sears Roebuck.
Ray’s journey continued after junior college, when he enlisted in the Navy and served as an electronics engineer aboard the USS Henry B. Wilson (DDG-7), a guided-missile destroyer. He spent time deployed in the Philippines during the Vietnam War. One story Ray recalls with a laugh involves being asked to climb a tall pole, despite his fear of heights:
“I couldn’t finish the job once I got to the top. It took us a while to get down, and that CSM never asked me to do that again!” he says with a smile.
While stationed in San Diego, Ray and his fellow sailors often watched the Marines next door endure their grueling morning workouts—while the Navy’s routines were, in his words, “a lot more relaxed.” “I was happy I was in the Navy once I saw their daily regimen!” he chuckles.
Ray’s adventures didn’t stop there. During a visit to San Francisco, he met the Beach Boys before they became famous—though at the time, he admits, “I wasn’t familiar with their music, so it was a unique experience.”
After his military service, Ray returned to Houston and married his wife, Sharon. He also has a daughter, Alicia, from a previous marriage who lives in Washington State. Ray continued his career with the same orange juice company as his father, a job that eventually brought him and Sharon to Jackson, Mississippi. Later, he transitioned to a new career at an investment bank.
Eventually, Ray’s parents retired and moved back to Opelika, and a few years later, Ray and Sharon followed—settling in the country next to his family’s land.
