Ray Parker became a 4-H member in McClain Co. in 1929, where his primary projects were poultry and public speaking. After receiving a BS degree in 1947, he became an instructor for returning veterans’ education. He became an Assistant County Agent in 1951 and was promoted to State 4-H Specialist in 1957. Parker provided leadership for State 4-H Roundup (which he had attended as a youth delegate), State 4-H Congress, State 4-H Officers and 4-H Leisure Laboratories. He was a pioneer in developing and conducting leisure and environmental education programs that had an impact both in the state and nationally.
In addition to his program duties, Parker was responsible for the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation until the time that a full time director was hired. He was responsible for securing some of the earliest 4-H scholarships. After 25 years in the state 4-H office, he retired in 1982. That year the State 4-H Roundup was dedicated to him to honor his contributions to Roundup and the 4-H program. During his career, Parker received awards for distinguished service from USDA and Oklahoma Cooperative Extension. He has been active in his local church, Lions Club and Epsilon Sigma Phi and a frequent donor to Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.
