Lifelong Selma Resident Ruth Ray Appointed To Town Council

SELMA, N.C. – For Ruth Ray, serving the Town of Selma is nothing new.

The 79-year-old lifelong resident spent 17 years as a full-time town employee, has served on the Selma Planning Board and remains active in the community.

Now, she will serve Selma in another role — as a member of the Town Council.

Ray was unanimously appointed Sept. 3 to fill the first of two vacancies created by the sudden resignations of Council Members William Overby and Susan Parrish Watson last month.

Mayor Pro Tem Joe Scarboro nominated Ray for the seat, pointing to both her experience with the town and her willingness to put her name before voters in the past.

“She was a write-in candidate during the last Town Council race and put in the effort to run for office,” Scarboro said.

Scarboro also emphasized Ray’s lifelong connection to Selma.

“She has seen the good, bad and ugly of this town,” he said. “She is more than qualified to assume this office.”

Scarboro said appointing someone to the council should not be taken lightly.

“It’s not like we’re picking someone out of the air. This is not an easy job. It takes special people to give up their time and do this kind of work.”

The remaining council members voted unanimously to appoint Ray.

Mayor Byron McAllister welcomed her to the board.

“Thank you for your willingness to serve,” McAllister said.

‘I Love Selma’

Speaking with Johnston County Report immediately after her appointment, Ray made clear why she accepted.

“It really feels good,” Ray said. “I love Selma. I welcome the opportunity to work for Selma and give back to the town.”

Despite her previous experience in town government, Ray said she knows serving on the town council will bring a different set of responsibilities.

“I am anxious to learn more. I will give it my best.”

Ray is the mother of three grown children and has four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In addition to her previous municipal employment and planning board service, she currently serves as assistant pastor at Christ Fellowship Church in Selma.

The council could fill the second vacant seat as early as its Sept. 8 meeting.