Ray hosts events during downtown festivals and donates all proceeds to local charities. This has supported The Ark Women’s Shelter, Feed the Elderly (which Ray also delivers for), Mercy and Truth Ministries and the Elkin Valley Trails Association.

Good Time Trolley Owner Named Champion

Graham (Bear) Ray delivers for Feed the Elderly.

Candidate field taking shape, Elkin board race will be contested

Tatooist makes mark

Graham “Bear” Ray, named Main Street Champion for Elkin, is credited with bringing new life to its downtown when relocating his business, Black Bear Tattoo, there in 2023.

New Elkin Commissioner Sworn In

Graham “Bear” Ray owns Black Bear Tattoo.

Graham “Bear” Ray was sworn in Monday to serve on the Elkin Town Board. Ray was selected from five candidates who had applied to fulfill the remaining two-year term left by Will Gwyn who was elected to serve as the town’s Mayor in November.

Graham was sworn in to serve on the Elkin Town Board after being selected from five applicants to fill a remaining two-year term.

New Elkin commissioner sworn in | News | elkintribune.com

2026 North Carolina General Election

“Being part of Historic Downtown Elkin is one of the best decisions I’ve made for my business, and the Main Street Program is a huge reason why. Their ongoing improvements, events, and communication make our downtown stronger, more beautiful, and more connected. I truly feel supported as a small business owner.” -Graham “Bear” Ray, Black Bear Tattoo

Main Street | Elkin, NC

Said that Elkin's Main Street Program supports his small business through downtown improvements, events, and communication.

- Said that Elkin's Main Street Program supports his small business through downtown improvements, events, and communication.

Economy

Black Bear Tattoo also became its first Certified North Carolina Destination Business. Ray hosts events during downtown festivals and donates all proceeds to local charities. This has supported The Ark Women’s Shelter, Feed the Elderly (which Ray also delivers for), Mercy and Truth Ministries and the Elkin Valley Trails Association.

Ray hosts events during downtown festivals and donates all proceeds to local charities. This has supported The Ark Women’s Shelter, Feed the Elderly (which Ray also delivers for), Mercy and Truth Ministries and the Elkin Valley Trails Association. In 2024, he helped launch Rally in the Valley — a three-day, family friendly motorcycle event that drew more than 2,000 visitors and raised $5,000 for local causes.

Hosts events during downtown festivals and donates the proceeds to local charities.

Helped launch Rally in the Valley, a three-day motorcycle event that raised $5,000 for local causes.

- Hosts events during downtown festivals and donates the proceeds to local charities.
- Helped launch Rally in the Valley, a three-day motorcycle event that raised $5,000 for local causes.

Public Services

As of September 2, 2026, Graham (Bear) Ray did not have a website or any information online.

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

Graham (Bear) Ray

As of September 2, 2026, Graham (Bear) Ray’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Mauricio Mendez

Walter Ley

Cicely McCulloch

Deryal Walker

Jeffrey C. Eidson

Mike Bovender

- Town commissioners serve as the legislative body for the town government. 
- Town commissioners have the authority to decide the services offered to the town, pass the budget, decide the property tax, acquire property, and enter into agreements with other governments. 
- The town commissioners can create or abolish any offices, positions, departments, etc. to improve the organization of the town. 
- Town commissioners may make investigations into the town or any of its departments or agencies. 
- Most town commissioners in Georgia are elected in odd years to staggered 4 year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. 

Legislative body for your town's government. 