Ray O. Arrington

The first person in his family to complete college, Ray Arrington can be justly proud of that achievement and the fact that his granddaughter, Kelly, was the first third-generation graduate in agricultural education at the University of Florida. But his college degree was just the start of an outstanding career in agricultural science and education that saw him reach the peak of his profession as a teacher, mentor, administrator, and leader.

Ray O. Arrington was born on May 17, 1927 in Chiefland, Florida. He graduated from Chiefland High School in 1945 and served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1948. When he left the service Ray followed his high school principal's advice and entered the University of Florida where he earned his bachelor's degree in agriculture in 1951 and later his master's degree in 1964. He taught for a year in the Adult Veteran's Program in Bonifay and was then hired in 1952 as a vocational agriculture teacher at Plant City High School in Hillsborough County. There he came into his own, building a rich experiential learning experience for his students through FFA, the school land laboratory, and supervised agricultural experience programs.

His students planted sweet corn, eggplants, and other crops; kept registered Angus cows; and had a shade house for a nursery. Ray's students excelled in district and state FFA competitive events, including having the grand champion steer at the state fair.  He takes great pride in the number of his protégés that earned State and American FFA Degrees, and many of his FFA members went on to become farmers in the Hillsborough County area and leaders in the agricultural industry in Florida. Ray also excelled at building business and industry relations with the FFA program at Plant City High School. His members routinely provided presentations for local civic clubs like Kiwanis and Rotary, and this contributed to strong community support for the agriculture program.

After 20 years of superlative accomplishments as a teacher, Ray took another step in his career path in 1971 to become Vocational Agriculture Supervisor for Orange County Schools. While in that position and then after 1973 when he became Director of Adult and Vocational Programs in Orange County, he led an effort to modernize the curriculum and facilities for agriscience programs in the county. 

Ray was a leader in professional organizations as well, chairing a number of committees and serving as president of the Florida Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association in 1969. His teaching excellence was recognized when he won the NVATA Teacher of Teachers Award for having five students become agriculture teachers, including his son, Larry Arrington.

Ray retired in 1985, but he stayed active with FFA as a public speaking contest judge and other activities. He and his wife Ruby enjoy a wonderful family with their children Larry and Kathy and their grandchildren and great grandchildren.