Born on March 7, 1943, in Washington, North Carolina, Ray Northern never shies away from the fact that his family was poor, but he and his five siblings never knew it. They never went for want of food on the table or a roof over their heads, even though his father only made $37.50 per week. And, because of his humble beginnings, he credits his parents for instilling the values he needed to be successful throughout his life.