Horatio Rice was raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Ray, as he is known by his friends and family, attended Carver Vocational Technical High School majoring in Electronics. Upon graduation in June 1966, he worked briefly for MTD Research and Development Company. After having been drafted in the U.S. Army, Ray served 2-years in the Army Corp of Engineers while stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Honorably discharged in 1970, Ray returned to Baltimore and furthered his education as an Electrical Engineer enrolling in courses at RETS College of Technology, Baltimore City Community College, then Morgan State College. For 34-years Ray was employed in elevator construction for various companies throughout the tristate area retiring from Elevator Union Local #7 as a lead mechanic.
 

Ray is currently affiliated with Adams Chapel A.M.E. Church and holds the position of Trusty Pro-Tem. He is the founder and facilitator of the New Way of Life Ministry. He sponsors and mentor individuals in the NA program; and is an active member of the Westside Social Club. An artist, Ray started his own company called Rays of Light specializing in stained glass artistry.