Raymond H. Babelay, a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following service, he graduated from Richmond Professional Institute with a bachelor's degree in music performance. In 1961, he received a MME from Eastern Carolina University, Greenville. Having served as band director and professor of music at Mars Hill College from 1968 to 1986, he received the R. S. Gibbs Outstanding Teacher Award and Outstanding Service Award for 1985. Under his leadership, the Mars Hill College Concert Band performed twice for the North Carolina Music Educators Convention and annually toured North Carolina and surrounding states. A member of the American School Band Directors Association, Mr. Babelay was one of the most respected and sought-after adjudicators and clinicians in North Carolina. He also directed high school bands in Morganton, Wilson, and Charlotte County, Virginia. Surviving are his wife, Toby; a son, Paul G. Babelay and wife, Susan; and three grandchildren, Hannah, Elizabeth and Rebekah.