Joyce Ray

Writer

- A Monthly Community Newspaper -

Hi, I am Joyce Ray. Long before we moved into Smoke Rise in 1990, my husband, Gene, and I knew this was the neighborhood we wanted to call home.

Years ago, back in the late seventies, we attended the arts and crafts show that was held at the Smoke Rise Bath and Racquet club. Gene made and sold decorator items of wood – still his favorite hobby. I decorated some of them with painted designs, ...and we had a booth there. We loved the area and knew that we would someday buy our next house in this community.
 
Fast forward to the late ‘80s when I got my license to sell real estate. Selling the neighborhood was easy for someone who loved it so much – back then we called it the best kept secret in DeKalb! Still today, with every new buyer that I introduce to the area for the first time, seeing their faces light up when I show them the gorgeous mountain views, the waterfalls, the golf club and the beautiful secluded neighborhoods, I am reminded all over how we felt those years ago when we chose our home in Smoke Rise. 
 
I joined the Smoke Signal staff in 1995 and appreciate the connection the newspaper makes to our community. Many things have changed, but the dedication of the Smoke Signal staff is as alive and energized as I have every witnessed. We have so many talented writers who have a passion to discover what is “new” for our readers and the editors give many hours of their time each month to make it fresh and informative. We are thrilled to hear your comments about the importance you place on being able to pick up that paper every month from your driveway and stay in touch with your neighborhood.

Aside from selling real estate (when you do what you love, it’s not a job!), my favorite activity is entertaining because it encompasses my other passions of cooking, decorating and getting together with our large family that includes 12 very special grandchildren. When traveling, I brake for antique malls and I regularly scan Amazon for new and interesting books!!