Ray Baurley is being recognized for the Ripley County Basketball Hall of Fame's Meritorious Service Award.  Baurley, a 1963 graduate of New Marion High School, is best known for his long involvement with Milan's basketball program.

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After high school, Baurley graduated from Marian College in 1969 and then obtained a master's degree from Indiana University.  He was a business teacher at Milan High School for 37 years from 1970 to 2007.  There, he coached freshmen basketball for five years and junior varsity for 22 years, serving with 10 different varsity coaches.  Since retirement, Baurley has continued his participation in Milan basketball by being the team's official scorer since 2009.

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In addition to his service for the Milan teams, Baurley has supported his town and the greater Ripley County basketball community as a member and officer for the Hall of Fame board since 2006.  He is a member of the Milan '54 Hoosiers Museum board, the Milan Community Dollars for Scholars, and the St. Charles Catholic Church of Milan.

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Baurley was a fine basketball player in his own right, being a member of the only New Marion High School team to win a sectional and county tourney.  He played under coaches Dale McNeely, Mike Wilson, and Wayne Ralston.  He was named an All-conference player in 1963 and also lettered three years in track, cross-country, baseball, and basketball.

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Baurley's family includes his wife of 47 years, Linda, daughters Jane Lieland (Jeremy) and Kathryn Stock (Steve), and six grandchildren: Cayden, Nicholas, Ross, Lainey, Taylor, and Brody.