Gene Ray Obituary, Death Cause – On Friday, July 28, 2023, Dr. Gene W. Ray, class of 1960, a prominent alumnus of Murray State University who had been a supporter of the university during his whole life, passed away. Gene and his wife, Taffin, have been extremely generous benefactors to Murray State University’s academics as well as its athletics. In particular, Gene and Taffin have shown their support for several programs offered by the Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology, including the state’s Program of Distinction in Cybersecurity and Network Management.
Gene and Taffin have been married for almost 50 years. In recognition of all that he has done for the university, one of the most photogenic spots on campus bears his name: the Dr. Gene W. Ray Science Campus. The basketball facility located in the Dr. Gene W. Ray Center, which includes a practice arena and office suites for the coaching staffs of both teams, was significantly improved thanks to a generous donation.
Ray was a scientist, entrepreneur, and a leader in corporate management. He was born and raised in Calloway County. He was the owner of GMT Ventures, LLC, which was a business management consulting firm, and he was a former chairman, president, and CEO at Titan Corporation. Titan Corporation was a provider of comprehensive information and communications systems solutions, primarily for the Department of Defense, intelligence agencies, and other government entities.
He was honored as a Murray State distinguished alumnus in 1981 and got an Outstanding Alumnus of Kentucky award (OAK award) in appreciation of his professional work, achievements, and support of his alma mater in acknowledgment of his professional work, achievements, and support of his alma mater. Ray received his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics, physics, and chemistry from Murray State University in 1960. He then went on to obtain his Master of Science degree in physics from the University of Tennessee in 1962 and his Doctor of Philosophy degree in theoretical physics from the University of Tennessee in 1965. In addition to his role as a trustee on the board of the MSU Foundation, Ray was also working as an honorary co-chair for the University’s Be Bold: Forever Blue & Gold centennial campaign at the time of this writing.
