Ray Matlock Smythe received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. Part of his sophomore year was spent as an exchange student in London, England. He earned his Master of Arts degree in Teaching from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Mr. Smythe taught American history for 39 years in middle and high school in Washington, Oregon, and California.
He earned many accolades during this career, but the one that was the most meaningful was being named the 2000-2001 Teacher of the Year at David Douglas High School, which was the largest high school in Oregon. Ray has written seven books. He lives in Cathedral City, California. He can be reached at Rayme49@aol.com.