Ray Capelli, Jrs. was born in Moline, Illinois in 1901, the firstborn of Dorothy and Ray Capelli, Sr.

Ray went to Moline Sr High, starring in three sports (football, basketball and baseball). After school he travelled the midwest before watching an exibition "Pro-Football" game. Always an athlete, Ray tried out and made the semi-pro football and baseball teams during the mid-1920's. Ray played from 1919 to 1932 for the Rock Island Independents. (that's Ray back Row 5th guy). Ray played Quarterback and DB winning two world championsips and beating both the Bears and Packers numerous times! Ray was forced to retire in 1932 when a rookie named John Lujack for the Chicago Bears layed a devasting hit on Ray that left him out cold for three full days!

Having learned the barbering trade while playing football and plying the pine in the locker rooms, it was natural for Ray to continue barbering as a profession. He traveled to Memphis in the late 40s and took a chair with Jimmy's Barber Shop down the street from Ellis Auditorium. When Jimmy retired, Ray took over and changed the name to Razor Ray's, which later got shorted to just Ray'z (with a "Z".)

From the late 50s and into the 60s, Ray'z Barber Shop took on a celebrity status, famous for close shaves and the latest cuts. It wasn't unusual for the popular country boogie, rockabilly and rhythm and blues artists to stop into Ray's when they were in town for a haircut and then jam in the back room. Memphis rock 'n roll stars often frequented Ray'z and jammed with him on many occasions!

Ray retired in 1983 and sold the store to the current owners, deciding to spend his time traveling the world, which he is still doing today. Every now and again we'll get a postcard from Ray from some far off, exotic location.