Raised as an Air Force brat, Ray was accustomed to moving frequently as a child. He lived in Hawaii, New York, Nebraska, Japan, Connecticut, and Oklahoma all as a child. After graduating High School in Edmond, Oklahoma, he attended Oklahoma Baptist University on a Track & Field scholarship. There, he became an 11 time All-American and Two time National Champion in sprints. Ray graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in 1996.
Shortly after college, Ray attended seminary and married the love of his life, Christina. Christina has recently finished a Master’s Degree in School Administration at Grand Canyon University. She is an Educator at Festival Foothills Elementary School.
In 2007, Ray and his good friend, Daniel Scott, moved to Buckeye to start The Church at Sun Valley in Festival Ranch. In addition to serving as a pastor, Ray also has worked as a collegiate sprint coach, a demographic specialist, and web designer.
Ray and Christina have three boys, Joshua 9, Caleb 7, and Sam 4. The Strauss’s have enjoyed sinking deep roots in Buckeye over the last few years and look forward to seeing Buckeye grow into a great city over their lifetime.
Ray enjoys reading, playing and watching sports, hiking, The Church at Sun Valley, computers, hanging out with friends, and meeting new people. Yet, most of all, Ray loves spending time with his family.
