Roger Ray was born on February 26, 1922, in Yonkers, New York. Roger married Dorothy M. on December 27, 1983, and they had four children: Kaaren Ray, Mary R. Hoyt, Robin Ray, and Vivian R. Bratton.

Ray was enlisted in the United States Army from 1940 to 1970.

Ray obtained a master of science degree from the United States Military Academy. Ray then earned a master of art degree in electrical engineering from New York University.