Meet Eric
Get to know your Future Councilman
Eric Vaughn Wray II hails from Portsmouth, a Virginia, and is currently residing in Chesapeake, Virginia. 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.
In his community service, Eric has been able to bring pastors, community, faith, civic, and labor leaders together with National, State, and Local elected officials. He has joined with various political campaigns, who desired to improve the lives of working families, on issues and helped organize a majority in Virginia across race, class, and political lines. Eric's main focus is building and maintaining relationships with labor, elected officials, community leaders, pastors, and allies to advance the broader community agenda. He also is further responsible for helping to fine-tune public policy, programmatic, and budgetary demands and develop powerful political campaigns to advance the demands. Professional & Local Associations Board Member - Virginia State Regulatory Board of Funeral Directors & Embalmers Board Member - Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad Foundation Board Member - Virginia Funeral Directors Association Past President -Tidewater Funeral Directors Association Past President - Norfolk Funeral Directors & Embalmers Association Member - National Funeral Directors Association Member - Virginia Funeral Directors & Morticians Association Member - American Legion Post 280 Great Bridge Member - Chesapeake Rotary Club Member - Deep Creek Ruritan Club Life Member - Disabled American Veterans Former Executive Secretary of Board of Directors - Portsmouth YMCA
5 Votes for City Council - 5 Votes for School Board
Do NOT waste a single 1.....Vote All 10!
"Go all the way with Eric Wray.”
“Activists run to be heard. We are running to deliver.”
YOU get 5 votes for both City Council & School Board