He graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1981 and was a member of Delta Upsilon.

When incumbent State Representative Stan Jordan was unable to seek re-election in 2008, Adkins ran to succeed him in District 17, which included northeastern Duval County.

He faced Mario Rubio and Gordon Morgan in the Republican primary, easily defeating both of them with 52% of the vote.

The Florida Times-Union endorsed Ray, praising him for his "solid experience in public affairs and...good track record for responding to his constituents.

Ray emphasized his experience in Tallahassee and pledged to work to "bring jobs to JaxPort and broaden the economic opportunities around the region and state.