Ray Henders’ life was a song—rich in harmony, filled with laughter, and shared with countless friends around the world. A proud 60+ year member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, Ray was devoted to singing well into his mid-90s. He passed away peacefully on August 29, 2024, at the age of 96.

Ray once said, “I was put on this earth to make people smile,”—a mission he fulfilled every time he stepped on stage or struck a chord with friends, family, or fans. His energy, wit, and warmth were matched only by his exceptional musical talent.

Ray’s quartetting career began in the early 1960s with his dear friends Thom Hine and Ben Williams in a group called The Vigilantes. Though Ben would later go on to win gold with The Four Renegades in 1965, Ray continued carving his own remarkable path through barbershop.

He sang with The Midnight Oilers, one of the most beloved quartets of their era, performing not just across the country but around the world. As special guests of the U.S. Department of Defense, they even sang for audiences in Cuba and Vietnam—bringing harmony to some of the most unexpected places.

In the 1970s, Ray joined forces with fellow AIC member Don Bagley in The Soundtracks, earning a bronze medal with a 5th place finish at International. With every new quartet, Ray sharpened his skills not only as a singer but as a front man and emcee—becoming one of the most engaging and sought-after stage personalities in barbershop.

Then, in the late 1970s, Ray found his dream quartet: Chicago News. Just three years later, they captured gold, winning the 1981 International Championship. Joining the Association of International Champions (AIC) was a crowning joy in Ray’s barbershop journey. Chicago News continued to perform around the globe, even becoming one of the first champion quartets to sing in Sweden.

Ray’s legacy didn’t stop there. He would go on to win three Seniors Quartet Championships, and he remained an active emcee at barbershop events across the country for many years. He also passed his love of singing on to the next generation—sharing the hobby with his sons, Bil and Patrick.

Ray was more than a champion on stage. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a friend to so many. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon; his sons Doug, Bill, Ray Jr., and Patrick; grandchildren Danny, Tim, Melissa, Alexi, Jakob, Joanna, Clara, Lola, and Charlotte; and great-grandchildren Molly, Everett, and Bozeman.

His outlook on life was infectious, his presence unforgettable, and his voice—like his legacy—will live on.