Ray McCarter was born in Duncan, Oklahoma, in 1946. He was close with his brother and helped to provide for him, developing leadership qualities that would benefit him later in his professional career.
After McCarter graduated high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he acquired his doctorate in Education from the University of Oklahoma. His education took him to new heights as a teacher and school administrator.
McCarter was also a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He has served on countless committees dedicated to the furthering of education, budgetary concerns and military affairs. He has since retired and now focuses on his family.