The family made their home in Mayfield, OK, where father, mother and son engaged in farming and ran a custom swathing and baling business. Ray Dean attended and graduated from Sweetwater Public Schools. He received an associate degree from Murray State Junior College, Tishomingo, OK, while on scholarship as a livestock judging team member and working at the college farm. Ray Dean then transferred to Oklahoma State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture education, while working at the Swine Farm under supervisor, Steve Welty.

Ray Dean and Rhonda Short were married May 27, 1973, at the Erick Church of Christ. To this union two children were born, a son, Ryan Dean, and a daughter, Robyn Renee. Ray Dean taught agriculture education in Rush Springs, OK, for the school years 1976-77, and then moved to Mountain View, OK, where he continued to teach for 32 more years. He was involved in educating and guiding students as they raised swine, cattle, sheep, and in later years goats. He enjoyed instructing students in ag mechanics, crops and horticulture. His programs were very competitive in the show arena, livestock judging, FFA Creed and Quiz, public speaking, state chorus, state officer candidates, and state FFA degree recipients. In later years, his students were State Proficiency winners, District Star Farmers, a State Star Farmer, an Oklahoma State Officer, National Proficiency winners and candidates, National Extemporaneous Winner and National American Star Winner. Ray Dean was recognized with the highest degree in the FFA, the Honorary American Degree, for his contributions and service to the FFA organization.

Ray Dean had a passion for raising pigs from an early age. Through the years he bred and raised many show pigs that went on to become champions for 4-H and FFA students across the country. One of his major highlights was in 1990 at the Fall Classic where he was recognized with the Champion Chester Boar, Champion Chester Gilt and the Chester White Premier Sire. The following year at the Fall Classic he received Champion Chester Boar and Reserve Champion Chester Gilt.

Ray Dean is survived by wife of 50 years, Rhonda, of the home. His son, Ryan Sites, and wife, Wendy of Granite, Oklahoma. His daughter, Robyn Rudisill and husband, Todd of Springdale, Arkansas. Grandchildren: Raegan Dildine, and husband, Ben. Kaysen Sites; Grayson Rudisill, Rhett Sites, Emory Rudisill. He held a special fondness for Craig Honsinger and Teddy Gribble, who grew up with him and shared a brotherly love. Two cousins, Mike Sites and RaDonna Christopher, who grew up together and attended Sweetwater Schools with Ray Dean.

Ray Dean loved raising show pigs, Thunder basketball, OSU sports, people in general and ag people in particular.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in honor of Mr. Sites to the Oklahoma FFA Foundation supporting the Swine Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency program. 1500 W. 7th Ave, Stillwater, Ok 74074.