Ray Saunders is a retired minister who has turned his talents to storytelling.

Ray is a professional storyteller and has performed with the Guild since December of 1995. Ray began telling stories in 1952. He tells Tall Tales, Appalachian Tales, Historical, Sacred, Family, Scary, Children's and Original stories along with Humorous and Adventure tales. He tells "Life" stories - actual stories from the lives of people with whom he has lived and worked. He prefers to tell to adult and mixed age audiences.

He has shared his stories with church groups, in nursing homes, for civic organizations, businesses and schools. Ray has also been featured in special JSG functions including "Chiller Thrillers" and "Tellabration."

Ray has conducted workshops for "The Institute for Higher Continued Learning" at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN, "Barnes and Noble Booksellers" and for "Presentation Health Systems." He is a member of the "Network of Biblical Storytellers", "The Tall Story Club" (National Liars Club with Lowell Thomas original) and "The White Mountain Liars Club".

He has this to say about himself, "Most of my storytelling through the years has been around life work for hospitals, churches and families. I have told most often to groups of older persons who benefit from the stories - not as entertainment - but an activation for life review and consequent healing and encouragement in living - or dying - well."