Ray Anthony Stephens, a native Houstonian, graduated from Kashmere in 1979. He is the eighth child of 9 children born to the late Raymond and Lonie B. Stephens. Ray began playing basketball at Francis Scott Key Middle School, and then continued at Kashmere Senior High. Ray was a proud student during his time at Kashmere, and participated in many of the extracurricular activities. He was very inspired by several of his teachers to attend college, and one of his greatest influences was his coach, Wesley “Undertaker” Boyd, who inspired him to both go to college and plan for his future after graduation. Ray made the varsity team during his sophomore year, and started the next two years, winning District his senior year. 

Upon graduation, Ray received a full scholarship to attend Paul Quinn College AME, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Physical Education. Each summer, during his college years, Ray worked as a counselor for the youth, talking to students within Waco ISD about the importance of attending college to prepare to achieve their dreams. During Ray’s Sophomore through Senior years at Paul Quinn, his team won the Red River Athletic Conference, and were invited to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) from 1980-1982. Upon graduating college, Ray played ball in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) League for a season. His team was the first out of Houston to win the Pro-AM Nationals, where he played for approximately 10 years. Ray married and fathered 3 children. He then dabbled in real estate, acquiring 50 rental properties, where he catered mainly to the under-served communities. He is also very active at his church, New Mount Calvary the Evolution Church. He began his career at the United States Postal Service in the 80’s. He has 33 years of service with USPS and is currently preparing for his retirement.