The board of education building on the courthouse square was officially renamed the Ernest Ray Education Center in a ceremony Thursday. A ribbon cutting took place to commemorate the event, and a throng of people attended, including long-time DeKalb County educator Ernest Ray and his family, school board members, former students and past coworkers.

“This is a great honor,” Ray said before the ceremony. “I’m a little nervous. I don’t know that I’m worthy of this.”

Ray’s nerves were soon overcome by the appreciation offered on his behalf, and he went on to comment on many former students and coworkers, including his long-time secretary, the late Helen Hayes.

“They were good enough to let me bring her with me when I went to the middle school, and then the high school,” Ray said. “I don’t know what I would have done without her. I still miss her.”

The former teacher, principal and director of schools also thanked his wife Elene for being the rock upon which his career was based.

“When you’re in school administration you better have an understanding wife, or you’re not going to be married very long,” Ray said. “I was lucky, and still am.”

Ray served more than 30 years as an educator, beginning in 1962 at Eastside School in Cannon County. He came to College Street School in Smithville in 1964, teaching seventh and eighth grade science and coaching girls’ basketball. He moved to Smithville Elementary School in 1970, and became principal of the school two years later.

Ray was moved to the principal position at DeKalb Middle School in 1978, where he worked until 1984, when he became principal at DCHS.

He stayed at DCHS until his retirement in 1992, but after two years of being out of the game he ran for and was the last elected superintendent of schools in DeKalb County from 1994-98.

Ray and his wife now live in Clarksville, where they moved to be near his two grandchildren. “I love DeKalb County,” Ray said. “It is still my home.”