Dr. Rawson received his DDS from Loma Linda University in 1968 and his MA in physical anthropology in 1978 from the University of Nevada. He became a Diplomate of ABFO in 1978. He maintains a private dental practice in Las Vegas, he is a forensic odontologist in Las Vegas, and from 1984 to 2003 he was the Nevada State Senator for District 6. Dr. Rawson has received numerous research grants in a variety of health-related topics. He lectures extensively as well as teaching specialized courses dealing with criminal justice and forensics. He was recognized state-wide as a hard-working senator who was approachable and perceptive in meeting the needs of the people. He has served as Assistant Majority Leader and Chairman of Human Resources in Nevada as well as numerous positions nationally. His emphasis was on budget reform, health care cost containment, and excellence and accountability in education. Ray and his wife, Linda, now deceased had seven children and 28 grandchildren.