Making a difference in one’s community – one’s world – can take on many forms. And the results of those good deeds touch many in the here and now, while forming a lasting legacy that touches future generations. 

That is why The Mexico Ledger honors Hidden Heroes. 

Logan Ray has a case of what his Hidden Hero nominator, Susan Presley, lovingly calls “the Ray disease.” She explained Ray inherited his strong work ethic, unwavering dedication and giving nature from his parents, Ron and Lori Ray. 

“Their work ethic is unmatched,” Presley said. “These people never stop. They see something that needs to be done, they make sure it happens, and they don’t care who gets the credit.”

Presley is the pastor at First Presbyterian Church. She first met Ray when she moved to Mexico and was a customer at Slumberland Furniture. Ray is someone who loves to highlight the local businesses in his community. As such, he buys thousands of dollars worth of gift cards every year to hand out to newcomers — a courtesy that left an impression on Presley. 

“He is such a big proponent of local everything and you can’t go anywhere without running into him,” she said. 

Presley added that Ray always speaks highly of Mexico and has a positive attitude when it comes to his community. 

Ray is a member of Presley’s congregation where he serves as a board member and head of the technology committee. He is also a past president and current member of the Mexico Jaycees, president of the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce and the owner of Slumberland Furniture in Mexico. 

He has invested in his community time and time again. One of his most recent projects is the ongoing construction of workforce housing near the Mexico airport at the Bellray subdivision. 

Ray grew up in Mexico and graduated from Mexico High School in 2012, but he started getting more involved in giving back when he was in college studying business at the University of Central Missouri. He and a group of students were given $500 to start a business, generate revenue and all the money they earned was donated to charity. That, and the example set by his parents, made him the Hidden Hero he is today. 

“Mom and dad have always done it,” Ray said. “Dad used to take me to his Jaycees meetings and take me out to work on the Optimist ball field. Mom and dad would just take me around and volunteer me for free labor.” 

Three years ago, Ray and his wife Abby bought Slumberland Furniture of Mexico from his father. Since then, he’s continued donating beds to those in need as his father did. Every winter, he supports children in foster care through Angel Wings. 

“In the last three years, we’ve given out like 150 beds to kids and families,” Ray said. “I don’t even know what the total would be over the course of this place, but it’d probably be crazy.” 

Just last week, he donated seven beds in the pouring rain to families in need. 

As a father of two young children, Ray sees his volunteer work as an investment for his family. 

“You’ve got to prioritize what’s important,” Ray said. “The way I see it, having a good community for my kids to grow up in is a priority for me. 

Finding the time to volunteer can be difficult, but sometimes all it takes is turning off the television and lending a hand to a neighbor in need. For example, Ray said he regularly mows his neighbors lawn because he has seen her struggle and small gestures like that add up. 

“If you can improve or make an impact on one person’s life, then it’s already making the world a better place,” Ray said.