After 32 years of service in the United States Army, Command Sergeant Major Rex Ray of Verbena officially retired on March 31.

“I am still going through a transition phase,” Ray said on Friday. “After serving 32 years, and having been all over the world, it is a great feeling to know that I now have the opportunity to spend more time with my family and friends without having to fulfill a military obligation. I thoroughly enjoyed those 32 years, but now I have the privilege to enjoy my family more.”

Ray was deployed four times including twice to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan.

He entered the United States Army in 1984 and attended basic training at Fort McClellan, followed by Advanced Individual Training at Fort Dix in New Jersey.

Ray reclassified in 1987 to 63H (track vehicle repair) attending his second Advanced Individual Training at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland.

Ray served in a variety of assignments and positions as Battalion, Brigade and 2-Star Command Sgt. Major.

Most recently, he served as Sgt. Major for Logistic Support Activity.

“I have met thousands of people and made some lifelong friends,” Ray said. “I originally joined the military because of the patriotism. I wanted the opportunity to serve my county and defend the Constitution against all enemies both foreign and domestic.”

In May 2011, family and friends welcomed Ray home from his third deployment at the Clanton Recreation Center.

Ray’s wife, Carolyn, later organized a surprise visit in February 2014 for Ray to surprise his son, Rekell Ray, at Verbena High School after returning home from his fourth deployment in Afghanistan.

In December 2015, Ray celebrated his upcoming retirement with family and friends from around the world at the Jemison Complex.

Chilton County Commissioner Bobby Agee presented Ray with two awards, the key to the city of Clanton and an award from the county.

Ray said throughout the years he has seen changes within the military including changes to uniforms, training and education.

“A lot has changed during my time in the military,” Ray said. “The military is now designed to win. I have seen a definite change in education, though, which is a great thing. It used to be that you would see a much smaller number of people entering the military with a college degree. Now, you have soldiers who join, and when they leave the military they have a college degree.”

Ray said he has moved a total of 17 times, with his family moving with him 12 of the 17.

“It seems surreal in some ways that I will be settling down a little bit,” Ray said. “I have 10 grandkids now and four children so I’m quite sure I will be able to stay as busy as I want to. Plus, my wife and I plan to travel as much as we can and on our own terms now as opposed to traveling because of the military. It is just going to be a lot more quality time.”