Retired Harris County principal Garnett Ray Jr. unexpectedly dies. Award named after him
A retired Harris County School District principal has died.
Ray Garnett Jr., who was principal of New Mountain Hill Elementary School for 31 years, unexpectedly died Monday at his home in Whitesville, Georgia, HCSD announced in a news release. He was 78.
No cause of death was mentioned in the news release, but HCSD spokeswoman Rachel Crumbley told the Ledger-Enquirer he died from a natural cause.
Ray worked as an educator for 39 years in HCSD. He started as a history teacher at Mountain Hill in 1972, then was promoted to principal in 1980. He retired in 2011.
To recognize his legacy, New Mountain Hill established the Garnett E. Ray Jr. Distinguished Wildcat Award, which annually will be given to two students who embody his qualities. Principal Jessica Burnett said those qualities are leadership, encouragement, trustworthiness, dedication, steadfastness and kindness. The inaugural award was presented in May.
Beyond his duties at school, Ray participated in the community as a baseball and football coach and a Boy Scout leader.
“Garnett Ray Jr. had a tremendous impact on the people of our county as a teacher, principal and mentor,” HCSD superintendent Roger Couch said in the news release. “His legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.”
Part of his legacy is evident at Harris County Board of Education meetings, where his son, Garnett Ray III, is the chairman.
“We will remember him as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and educator,” he said in the news release.
Ray graduated from Columbus High School in 1963. He earned a bachelor’s degree in social science education from Georgia Southern College in 1969, a master’s degree in education from Columbus College in 1977 and a specialist’s degree in education from West Georgia College in 1991.
He honorably served in the U.S. Navy for four years.
The funeral arrangements included visitation June 16, from 3-4 p.m., at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd., in Columbus. A memorial service immediately will follow at 4 p.m. in the McMullen chapel.
