Coming to Mt. Olivet in June, 2007, brought Ray back home to Davidson County. Ray was born at Griffis Clinic in Denton, Aug 12, 1954. Graduating from Denton High School in 1972, Ray completed his undergraduate education at Elon College and received a Master of Divinity in 1981 from Duke University. "Let's Go Devils!" Mt Olivet UMC is Ray's 7th pastoral appointment in the Western North Carolina Conference since he was first ordained in 1978, including serving as the founding pastor of Assurance UMC in Charlotte. Ray enjoys golf, reading, history and Lexington bar-b-cue, not necessarily in that order. Ray and his wife, Margaret, a school counselor for 22 years, have been married for ten years. "If you are looking for a great church home, Mt. Olivet is the place you have been looking for. I know this, because like you, I've just moved here and it feels like home for me already! If I can be of assistance to your family, don't hesitate to contact me at 336-764-9630 or poperls@yahoo.com. Welcome Home! Ray