Eric Vaughn Wray II hails from Portsmouth, a Virginia, and is currently residing in Chesapeake, Virginia with his beloved wife, Dr. Crystal J. Baker-Wray who is a Nurse Practitioner in the field of Neurology. Eric has an extensive background in the funeral industry, with over 25 years of experience, and holds dual licenses as a Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer in Virginia and North Carolina. Eric educational background includes attending the Portsmouth Public School System and obtaining an Associate's in Science Degree in Funeral Service from John Tyler Community College in Chester,. Additionally, he has matriculated at Norfolk State University and is a graduate of the University of Virginia's prestigious Thomas C. Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership program.

Eric's impressive credentials also include being appointed in 2011 and 2023 by Governor Bob McDonnell and reappointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to serve as the youngest member in the Commonwealth's history on the Virginia State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. This board is responsible for regulating all Funeral Homes and Funeral Directors throughout the Commonwealth. During his first tenure, Eric served as Secretary/Treasurer of the board, and he is currently a member of the State Board.

Eric Wray's contributions to society extend beyond his professional career. Eric has served our country during the terror attacks on September 11, 2001 as a Sailor in the United States Navy, and since his Honorable Discharge; Eric remains actively involved in various community and civic organizations.

 

Through his community service, Eric has successfully united pastors, community, faith, civic, and labor leaders with elected officials at all levels. He has collaborated with diverse political campaigns aimed at enhancing the lives of working families, fostering a majority in Virginia that transcends race, class, and politics. Eric primarily concentrates on fostering and sustaining connections with labor, officials, community leaders, pastors, and partners to promote a wide-ranging community agenda. Additionally, he plays a key role in refining public policy, programmatic, and fiscal proposals, and in crafting influential political campaigns to realize these objectives.

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Community Involvement Includes:

Board Member - Virginia State Regulatory Board of Funeral Directors & Embalmers

 

Board Member - Virginia Beach Voulnteer Rescue Squad Foundation

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Board Member - Virginia Funeral Directors Association

 

Past President -Tidewater Funeral Directors Association

 

Past President - Norfolk Funeral Directors & Embalmers Association

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Member - National Funeral Directors Association

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Member - Virginia Funeral Directors & Morticians Association

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Member - American Legion Post 280 Great Bridge

 

Member - Chesapeake Rotary Club

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Member - Deep Creek Ruritan Club

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Life Member - Disabled American Veterans

 

Former Executive Secretary of Board of Directors - Portsmouth YMCA

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