Ray was raised in Raleigh, ND. He grew up with a love for horses and the rodeo.. As Ray got older, he realized that the rodeo life was what he wanted. Later in life Ray would move to his current location in Flasher, ND
February 24th, 1986 was a day that would change Ray’s life forever. On that day Ray was in a head on collision that almost took his life. After three weeks of being unconscious, Ray finally awoke to find that he had his life, but he had lost all of his vision. Determined to make the best of his situation, Ray started learning how to read Braille and to make the most out of his new life. Because of Ray’s experience in the horse industry, he had some knowledge about repairing saddles and tack. Adding to these skills, Ray started to learn how to braid leather and parachute cord. Ray's goal was to make his own living and not to be dependant on anyone. Soon after that Ray opened his R. R. Supplies. He converted a garage next to his house into his Tack shop.