Ray Otto Wooliever, age 78, passed away at home on April 14, 2021 after battling Lymphoma. He was born on January 24, 1943 in Jackson, Michigan. Ray loved sports, and played football and baseball at Michigan Center High School, where he graduated from in June of 1961. Ray later went on to join the U.S. Navy, where he served on the Kitty Hawk, Midway, and Oriskany Aircraft carriers from April of 1963 to May of 1967. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Navy Unit Commendation Bronze Star. After getting Honorable Discharged from the Navy, he stayed in California and later attended California State University, Long Beach, where he graduated in 1975 with a degree in Engineering. Ray worked as a Logistics Engineer and moved up to Senior Logistics Electrical Engineer with Northrup Grumman, where he worked on the B-2 bomber, Unmanned Helicopter, and Global Hawk.

Ray met the love of his life, Irma Olivas, and they went on to marry on September 18, 1999.

Ray loved sports and being athletic. He competed in three marathons in Orange County, Lompoc, and Carlsbad, California. He was a fan of Wayne Gretsky, Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings and Michigan Wolverines. Besides sports, he enjoyed Deep Sea Fishing, playing Poker, (Gambling), betting on Horseracing, and bowling.

Ray made sure he was involved in his children’s sports as well, serving as the Little League President, soccer coach, even coaching the U16 Girls US Youth Soccer team in 1986.

Ray was always a joy to be around. He was funny with a dry sarcastic sense of humor. He was always laughing and just enjoying life. He was also very supportive with family and friends. He was a burst of energy to grow up with. Ray was a man who knew what he liked and disliked. He disliked cucumbers, pot pies, and croutons but he loved Whitney Houston and Oldies but Goodies songs.

He is survived by his wife, Irma Wooliever; his daughters: Kelly (Ruben C. Jr.) Lopez, Traci Scott, Helen (Ray) Barragan, Sarah (Ismael) Debora, Elizabeth Macias; Grandchildren: Ruben C. Lopez III, Vincent Garcia, Jacob Luevano, Jayden Craney, Mireya Debora, Angel Debora, Corrina Ocasio, Steven Saucedo, and Josette Saucedo. He is also survived by his sister, Mollie (Bill) Brooks; niece Tonya Dunn, nephew Richard Brooks, and many Great Grandchildren, Grand Nieces and Nephews.

He will be remembered by Michigan Center Classmates from Jackson, Michigan, Northrup Grumman friends and co-workers and Irma’s family and friends

No services or viewing will be held. Ray will be cremated per his request, with his ashes to be spread with the Elk in the mountains.

Arrangements handled by Arizona Affordable Funeral Home.