Ray Charles was born in Clearwater, Florida, where he spent his early years exploring the Orange grove his grandfather planted in 1908. As a young boy, he developed a deep connection with nature, spending hours exploring the swamps beyond the grove. By the age of ten, he had already discovered his love for the outdoors, a passion that would remain with him throughout his life.
As he entered his teenage years, Ray became an active participant in sports and was even elected President of the Student Council in his senior year of high school. After graduation, he built a small cabin on his family's farm in the Ozarks, where he spent time nursing injured birds back to health. This experience had a profound impact on him, and he began to realize the importance of preserving the natural world.
Ray's love of adventure and the sea led him to drop out of college and embark on a sailing trip to the Bahamas with friends. This marked the beginning of his great adventure, which would take him to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, where he worked on large yachts.
In his early twenties, Ray began his career in the entertainment industry, landing roles on popular TV shows and films, as well as Off Off Broadway productions. He continued to work in the industry for over 40 years, both in front and behind the camera, producing and directing several projects.
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Ray is also a passionate environmentalist. He produced and directed the documentary film "The Farm," which chronicled his efforts to create over 130 acres of wetlands on a former tobacco farm near Brown Summit, North Carolina. He then granted the state an easement protecting nearly two miles of Haw River frontage and the wetlands.
Ray's love for the environment is deeply rooted in his connection to nature. He has a special affinity for the Haw River, which runs through his property. He has worked tirelessly to protect the river and its surrounding forests, which are home to some of the oldest and most majestic trees in the region.
As a competitive sailor, Volunteer Guardian Ad Litem, and Youth Sailing Safety Volunteer, Ray continues to pursue his passions and make a positive impact on the world around him.
