Barry Ray, a 1981 graduate of Lee, was named the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year during the university’s Homecoming earlier this month. Ray was recognized for this honor during the Traditions of Lee music showcase. The highest honor given by the university to alumni, this award honors the excellence of a graduate who embraces the values of Lee.    

 

“I can’t think of a more deserving recipient of our highest alumni award than Mr. Barry Ray,” said Carman Lastoria, director of alumni and donor relations. Barry has been an influential leader in the senior care space for the better part of three decades. In addition, he has served Lee University, the Cleveland community, and the Kingdom of God with excellence through a spirit of generosity and service. Barry lives out his faith in the marketplace, in the community, and in leading his family. He plays a significant role in Lee’s growth and development, and we were honored to present him with this award at Homecoming last week.” 

 

Throughout his career, Ray has served in key leadership roles in the senior housing and long-term care fields. After a brief time in hotel management, Ray began working with Life Care Centers of America, the nation’s largest privately held senior housing provider, where he worked for 14 years. During the last several years of his tenure with Life Care, Ray served as President of American Lifestyles, Inc., the assisted living subsidiary of Life Care. 

 

In 2002, Ray founded Vision Senior Care Partners to operate and develop retirement facilities and consult on senior housing and health care, including an additional focus on church and para-ministry organizations desiring to enter the senior housing industry.  

 

In 2006, he and Bryan Cook, a fellow Lee alumnus, formed Legacy Senior Living. Under Ray’s leadership, Legacy Senior Living now owns and operates multiple retirement communities across the southeast United States. 

 

Ray was recognized by the Lee School of Business in 2013 as their Distinguished Alumnus of the Year.  

 

Ray and his wife, Iris, have three children, all Lee alum, and seven grandchildren. 

 

PHOTO: Lee President Dr. Phil Cook, right, presents Barry Ray with the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award during a Homecoming celebration earlier this month.