Raymond
Fikes
Married on April 20, 1991 to Connie Jordan.
Has two step sons, Jarrod and Zackary ages
25 and 22 respectively
Preceded in death by two sons; Stephen Joseph
Fikes, age 4.
Donald Lloyd Fikes, age 24.
Has one grandson, Cameron Fikes age 12
Ray was born in Snyder, Texas and grew up
in Lubbock, Texas. Ray is a graduate of
Roosevelt High school and is still working
on his biomechanical engineering degree
today with a 4.0 GPA. Ray is a strong proponent
of higher education but a product of self
and continuing education with an emphasis
on concrete knowledge through experiential
pathways.
Ray’s philosophy is that you need to
be part inventor to be exceptional in Orthotic
and Prosthetic practice. This philosophy
fosters many extracurricular activities
in and around the Orthotic and Prosthetic
field for him. He authored the Scoliosis
Screening Bill for the state of Texas school
systems in the 1980’s and spearheaded
the lobby effort to pass it. This effort
has brought about the free screening of
Texas school children for the affliction
of Scoliosis, a curvature of the spine.
This screening is done concurrently with
sight and hearing test. The effort took
two years and Ray had to battle one division
of the State of Texas that wanted to charge
$6,500,000 per year for the screening. The
measure passed on the last day of the legislation
session at zero costs to the State of Texas.
Ray has one patent and many Orthotic and
Prosthetic innovations. To his credit goes
the first fully functional Reciprocating
Gait Prosthesis, a self adjusting artificial
limb socket, an articulating spinal hyperextension
brace, and a dual knee joint system for
amputees with knee disarticulations. Ray
is currently working on a new system for
donning above knee prostheses and refining
the self adjusting artificial limb socket.
One of Ray’s most fulfilling accomplishments
is the formation of the Arizona
Amputee Foundation. This foundation
has made it possible for valuation of donated
prostheses and funds amputee sports and
activities. The main goal of the foundation
however is to make sure that all amputees
that need a prosthesis can get one regardless
of their ability to pay.
Ray is the recipient of the “Keeping
America Strong Award” presented by
the “Heartbeat
of America” program hosted by William
Shatner. Fikes Brace and Limb was chosen
as a small business which was representative
of the American spirit after 9/11. This
program aired November 8, 2002 nationwide.
Ray enjoys songwriting, playing guitar,
hunting, camping, swimming, golf, cycling
and travel. Since the tragic loss of his
oldest Son five years ago, he has written
over 100 songs of which he is releasing an
album entitled “Hell of a Life” and "Ashes in the Canyon" .
Through the well of emotions caused by his
tragic loss, Ray discovered a songwriting
ability that he wants to use to help others.
To this cause, Ray is donating 100% of the
profits generated from sales of his album
to the American Diabetes Association where
the funds can be used to benefit the lives
of others.
