Ray was born in Scottsbluff, NE, to Clayton and Alvina Shultz on August 7, 1949, the youngest of four children. He attended school in Bayard, NE. After high school, he attended barber college in Oregon. After completing barber college, he was drafted into the United States Army and served 2 years.While in the army, he married Dana Huber in 1970, and to that union 4 children were born: Ryan Shultz, Jona Diamond, Cole Shultz and Derek Shultz.

During his life outside of work, he enjoyed volunteering his time to the local fire departments in various locations. His longest volunteer span was at the Mitchell Fire Department, where many of those years he served as secretary with the department. He also spent many years coaching his children’s sports teams. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping.

His greatest joy in life was his eleven grandchildren and supporting their various activities. He was their number one fan and attended as many of his grandchildren’s events as possible. It was super rare for him to miss anything they were involved in.

Survivors include his son, Ryan (Lisa) Shultz, and children, Holden, Kaden and Jaxson; daughter, Jona Diamond and children Alyssa and Carter; son, Cole Shultz and children Bella and Gunnar; son, Derek (Kortney) Shultz and children, LeAnna, Clayton, Blake, and Braxton; brother Eugene (Patsy) Shultz, and sister, Sharon (Larry) Fiscus; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Clayton and Alvina Shultz, and his sister, Betty (Charles) Maxwell.