He was born, raised, and lived his entire life in the Sevier County community of Dupont.
He attended Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy and became the first member of his family to graduate from high school.
During World War II, he served in the United States Army Air Forces, working as a mechanic and pilot.
[1] Following the war, Ray Reagan returned to live in Dupont with his wife, the former Louise Ogle, and he commuted to a factory job in Knoxville.
[1][2] Judge Reagan served on state commissions and advisory boards on county government.