Raymond Francis Culley Jr.

Raymond Francis Culley, Jr., known to many as Ray, passed away on May 2, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on June 19, 1947, Ray lived a life defined by curiosity, kindness, and a quietly impressive ability to enjoy the moment – especially when that moment involved family and friends.

Ray was the son of Raymond Francis Culley and Elizabeth Buehner Culley, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his brothers John Culley (Carol) and Jim Culley (Mary). Ray earned a BA in Communications from John Carroll University and later an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University – degrees that served him well both professionally and in his love of storytelling. He served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972, stationed in Thailand, where he combined service and storytelling by writing a newspaper column for fellow servicemen.

In 1972, Ray married Martha Culley, with whom he shared more than five decades of partnership and family life. Ray spent his professional career in the steel industry, working in sales, marketing, and management for companies including LTV Steel, Owens Corning, and Severstal North America – always valuing relationships as much as results.

Ray was a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his children Kate Culley Rapata (Dan, and son Elliot), David Culley (Beth, and children Lauren, Emma, and William), and Chip Culley (Jacqueline, and children Owen, Caleb, and Eliza). Few things brought him more joy than time spent with his own children and seven grandchildren.

Ray had a talent for finding fun wherever he was – whether fishing all day without a single catch, building elaborate drip castles on the beach, coaching and enthusiastically watching soccer, golfing with friends, or carefully perfecting what he insisted was the definitive Manhattan recipe (often tested on unsuspecting guests). He will be remembered for his warmth, wit, and the way he made ordinary days feel just a little richer.

A private memorial service is scheduled for Monday, May 11, at 1:00 p.m. at Schoedinger Dublin 5980 Perimeter Drive, Dublin, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s memory to World Central Kitchen or the ACLU. The family offers their deepest gratitude to Dublin Glenn Memory Care and Zusman Hospice for the exceptional compassion and dignity shown.