September 3, 2025 — Hall of Fame member Ray Brothers died yesterday at his Alexandria home. He earlier had rolled just one game in his league at Bowl America Shirley. He was 86.
Ray brought his enthusiasm for bowling to this area in 1961 from Punxsutawney, Pa. He retired from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Force in 1988, after serving for 27 years.
Ray has promoted bowling since he began coaching juniors in the 1970s. Striving to achieve fairness for youth bowlers led him to actively serve on the Vir-Mar District Junior Bowling Association Board of Directors for 15 years. He worked on city, state, and other local youth tournaments, while chairing numerous committees. He was Vice President for eight years and President from 1985 to 1989.
In 1981, he was elected to the NCABA Board of Directors and was elevated just two years later to Fifth Vice President. During the 1988-1989 season, while serving his second term as Vir-Mar District JBA President, Ray was elected NCABA President, during which time he reestablished the practice of holding monthly association meetings in bowling centers instead of at the NCABA Office to acquaint bowlers with their board members.
In 1995, he succeeded Leonard Ray as NCABA secretary, and throughout his years an association board member and as secretary and manager, he worked the men's and Open Championship Tournament each year. He also was an active member of the Industry Relations Committee, constantly striving to improve proprietor/association communications to ultimately benefit the bowler.
Ray, a member of the NCAUSBCA Hall of Fame "Class of 1991," retired as association manager on July 31, 2012.
Ray had looked forward to attending this year's Hall of Fame Induction & Dinner Celebration on September 20, having bought a table and once again making a generous donation as a patron. He will be remembered during this event.