Donald Ray Cain was born in St. Charles AR and attended schools in North Little Rock in Arkadelphia. In 1951 he joined the United States Marines and Marine reserve where he served as a Telegraph operator. Later he joined the Arkansas National Guard and attended Henderson State University where he was a standout player on the football team. During his career with the Arkansas National Guard Cain served as a squad leader, platoon Sergeant, first Sergeant and command Sergeant major.  As command Sergeant major for the 39th infantry brigade he was a senior NCO to five general officers.  His military decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Arkansas Distinguished Service Medal, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, 2 Army Commendation Medals and the Korean Service Medal . He began his civilian career as a coach and teacher at Horatio public schools from 1962-1967 and he was also at Gurdon High School. In 1967 he became the head coach of Bearden high school. In 1969 he became the principal and he was named Superintendent In 1976. After earning his master's degree from Arkansas State University in 1972, he remained in that position until 1997 when he became the Superintendent of Horatio schools. From 1997 to 2002, he has served as the Mayor of Bearden and municipal judge, justice of the peace, member of the quorum court, 3 terms as president of the Bearden Lions Club, Boy Scout master, and a member of the American Legion and ombudsman for the National Guard and reserve and has served on the national committee the employer support to the guard and reserve in summary one of his supporters who knew him for 35 years wrote I quote, Command Sergeant Major Cain served in the military for many years with passion commitment honor and demonstrated great leadership he was a firm disciplinarian and a great communicator who cared for his soldiers and always led by example our great military is better off because of the type of leadership he provided for 43 years unquote.