​ ​Delaware Tennis Foundation, Inc.  

1999 Inductee - Ray Walker

Ray Walker’s tennis career began at the age of 7 on the Rodney Street Courts in Trolley Square. He graduated from Wilmington High School, served in the United States Air Force in the 1950's, and received a graduate degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware. As an undergraduate he was captain of the tennis
team from 1957 to 1959.

Ray won his first tournament at the age of 29 in the Delaware State Public Parks
singles and doubles championship. Ray went on to become finalist in 167 sanctioned singles & doubles championship tennis tournaments and a winner of 96 of them. In Delaware, he was a finalist in 73 singles & doubles tennis tournaments and won of 45 of them. In the span of his playing career he has had 24, #1 rankings
in DE, (multiple age groups, singles and doubles), 10, #1 rankings in Middle States (multiple age groups, singles and doubles). Nationally, he has ranked as high as #4 in USTA 55+ doubles, and #13 in USTA 55+ singles.

In addition to his impressive playing record, Ray gave back to the sport continually throughout his life.

Ray served as chairman of the:

Wilmington Public Men’s Open Championships
Delaware Tennis Association Senior Tennis Activities
Delaware Century Tournament
Delaware State Senior Championships
Delaware State Super Senior Tennis Championships.
Chairman and Coach of the Delaware Junior Davis Cup Team.
He served as captain of the:
Delaware State 45+ & 55+ Interdistrict Teams
Middle States 45+ Atlantic Coast Cup & Bruneau Cup Teams
Middle States 55+ Atlantic Coast Cup, Milberg Cup & USTA Inter-Sectional
Teams
Middle States 60+ USTA Inter-Sectional teams
Middle States 65+ Atlantic Coast Cup & USTA Inter-Sectional teams

He also served as president of the Wilmington Racquets club. He served on the board of directors of the Wilmington Racquets Club, the Delaware Foundation of Physical Education, and the Delaware Tennis Association.