Born in Duncan, Oklahoma, on Oct. 2, 1946, to parents Fred L. and Marjean Kimberlin McCarter, Ray often fended for himself and did what he could to provide for a younger brother. Through the encouragement of his teachers and other community leaders, Ray began to develop leadership skills that would serve him later in life.

After leaving high school, he served our country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, Ray attended college, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts, a Master of Education degree from Southwestern State College and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Oklahoma. Serving schools in Okarche, Mustang, Central, Marlow and Waurika, Oklahoma, he continued to show his dedication to education as a teacher, coach, referee and school administrator.

Since 1996, Dr. McCarter has served his community and state as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. There he has served on the Education Committee - Common Education, the Energy and Technology Committee, the Appropriations and Budget Committee, the Banking and Finance Committee, the Energy and Utility Regulation Committee, the Transportation Committee, the Public Safety Committee, the Veteran’s and Military Affairs Committee and the International Economic Development Committee. Rep. McCarter has also served as an Assistant Majority Floor Leader.

He is a member of his local church, serves on the advisory board of the Chisholm Trail Arts Council and has served on many committees within the Chickasaw Nation.