Raymond Nicholas Olinger was born on October 13, 1931, in Emery, South Dakota. The son of Edward and Mary Olinger, he was the youngest of eight children. A devoted member of Saint Therese Catholic Church, Ray served faithfully as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, trusted advisor and the "Fish Fry Expert".

Ray served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. In 1955 he married the love of his life, Helen Pepper, beginning a 70-year journey that carried them from New York, to California, Florida, Alabama, and finally Mississippi where they had resided since 1964. Throughout his career as an electrical technician Ray worked for companies such as General Electric, Rockwell, and the Boeing Company. His expertise allowed him to contribute to the NASA space program where he worked on space shuttle projects.

Ray was the father of four children: Sandra Niolet, Anna Hilt, Sheila Olinger-Fritz and Harry Olinger. He was the cherished grandfather of Jeremy Niolet, Shannon Niolet, Sarah Unrein, Jonathan Hilt, Harrison Olinger and Corey Olinger. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Trentin Niolet, Christian Niolet, Keragon Niolet, Kaylee Rodriguez, Madelynn Rodriguez, Emily Unrein, Evangeline Hilt and James Olinger. He was the great great grandfather of Sadie Grace Niolet, Saylor Grey Niolet, Zayvier Ramirez-Rodriguez.

Above all Ray was definitely a family man. Nothing brought him more joy than having all of his family and loved ones gathered around him, especially when he was able to cook for them.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, as well as his daughters, Sandra Niolet and daughter Sheila Olinger-Fritz.