Ray was born on February 24, 1941 in the small town of Westerville, Ohio.  Being the only son, he was spoiled by his six sisters.  After high school, at the age seventeen, he immediately enlisted in the Marine Corp where he spent the next 22 ½ years.  During this time he served two tours in Viet Nam and one to the Dominican Republic.

While stationed at Cherry Point, North Carolina, he met and married Helen, also a Marine.  They had three children, Rebecca, Raymond and Brian followed by five wonderful grandchildren.

In 1971 he served as a Marine Recruiting Officer in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.  It was at this time that he joined the Elks.  He continued his membership through his many moves while in the military.  At the time of Rays retirement in 1980, he started working his way through the chairs and served two years as Exalted Ruler at the San Clemente Lodge #2068.

Ray and Helen moved to Utah where he transferred his membership to the Cottonwood Lodge.  Ten years later they were on the move again to Mountain Home, Arkansas, transferring his membership to Elks Lodge #1714 where he immediately started work helping with the 2000 Convention.  That was just the beginning.  Before long he was doing indoctrinations.  Rays first State position was Elks National Foundation Chairman,  2006 District Deputy for Arkansas East, 2008 he was elected 2nd Vice President and is now serving as President of Arkansas State Elks Association.

Both Ray and Helen are honored to represent the Arkansas Elks Association where ever they travel.

RAY LOOP

ASEA STATE PRESIDENT,

2010 - 2011