Bill Hamner
Dear Family and Friends of Ray, I knew Ray as a Sig Ep fraternity brother at OSU in the late sixties. He has always been an overachiever in sports, academics, and life. In those days, when so many fell prey to drugs, alcohol, or apathy (or in my case, all three), Ray stayed the course. He was very comfortable with his strong Christian faith, and always focused on his long-term goals. We were both in the 45th Infantry Division of the Oklahoma Army National Guard. I spent the summer of 1969 at scenic Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Ray, too, shared the joy of ninety percent humidity, along with every species of poisonous snake in North America. When I returned to OSU that fall semester of '69, I still thought Woodstock was a cartoon character. Ray was the imbodiment of the old "life ain't fair" cliche. After all the "Animal House" fraternity parties, and sixties' shenanigans, he emerged unscathed, only to wrestle in a charity-event that rendered him a quadriplegic. For years, I tried to make sense of that, and now realize that Ray's existence had a far greater meaning. He touched and inspired lives throughout the country, while confronting each obstacle as just another of life's challenges. Ray Murphy shall forever serve as an inspiration to anyone who knew him, especially as we face transitions in the course of our own lives. Thank you, Ray, for making a difference. I Love You, Man! Bill Hamner