Donald Ray: The Power Of Optimism

By Melanie Davis

“I would like to say that I planned all of this, that life is by design, but really I am just blessed,” Donald Ray says of his situation. Ray works in the district attorney’s office, is an artist, loves to garden and cook, and is a quadriplegic.

Donald Ray works in the district attorney’s office, is an artist and loves to garden and cook. Photo by Marie Freeman

Life can change in an instant. Donald Ray can attest to that. On December 31, 1991, he was ringing in the New Year with friends when the unimaginable happened. Diving into an indoor pool rendered him unable to walk. “Alcohol was a factor. It isn’t something I am proud of, but it is a story I need to share with others. If it can prevent another alcohol-related accident, it is worth it,” Ray said.

It took one month to stabilize Ray, then he was moved to the Shepherd’s Center in Atlanta, G.A., the leading spinal cord injury specialists in the nation. A three month stay at Shepherd’s Center encompassed treatment, education and outings. “I learned how to live in a quadriplegic body, which functions differently,” Ray said of his experience at Shepherd’s. “I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to learn there. Shepherd’s gave me the tools to realize that although my life was forever altered, it wasn’t over.”

Ray returned to Boone to build on that foundation. He enrolled at Appalachian State University and completed a degree in Sociology with a concentration in gerontology. “The accessibility of public transportation made my degree possible,” says Ray.

During his senior year, he began an internship with Gail Fannon at her private law practice. Upon completion of his degree, he elected to stay at the practice. “I wanted to keep myself involved in the legal systems, learning the procedures and vocabulary,” Ray said.

Having found his passion, it was fortunate that the district attorney’s office was seeking office help at the time of Fannon’s appointment as prosecutor for driving while impaired court. Ray answers the phone and assists in coordination of DWI court.

The position is an interesting one for him, given his background. “My accident helps me to better understand the defendant, but it is sad. This is the one crime that is completely preventable,” he said.

“I have learned more from him than he has from me. He is an asset wherever he goes,” says Fannon.

Ray’s interest in the legal system is leading him back to school. He will be applying for law school in the fall of 2008. The ultimate goal is to work as an attorney assisting the elderly manage the issues that come with age, attaining benefits, estate management and planning, insurance and wills.

The inspiration for this goal was his Blowing Rock upbringing and first jobs. Ray worked in Craig’s Grocery, then the Variety Store. Most of his customers were age 65 and older. “I have enormous respect for that age group and what they offer the younger generations in terms of advice, stories and humor,” Ray said.

The law is not Ray’s only passion. He discovered a talent for painting before he entertained the idea of returning to college. A friend, Eric Riechard, is a potter. The pair collaborate to design stoneware. Ray paints the pre-kiln pieces using his mouth to hold the brush.

Quite talented, Ray has held art shows in venues across the high country, including the Jones House, before enrolling at ASU. “I paint slowly, so I don’t sell the pieces. I didn’t want to be a starving artist, so I pushed toward academics.”

Ray takes everything life throws at him with a positive attitude, seeming to find the bright spot in every situation. “As a result of being more confined to my home, my love of music has exploded. Fortunately the high country has an incredible bluegrass scene.”

Ray has no intention of slowing down. “The most important lesson I have learned, is no matter what life throws at you, you can handle it if you try.”