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Raymond Alver Golz

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Georgia Tech

Raymond Golz Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 20, 2024.

Raymond Alver Golz, husband, father, intrepid adventurer, and successful entrepreneur, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024, in San Juan Cosalá, Jalisco, Mexico at the age of 78 after a brief illness.

Born on February 19, 1946, in Chicago, IL, he was the oldest child of the late Raymond Lewis and Emily Helen (Baum) Golz. In 1952, the family relocated to Smyrna, GA, and Ray graduated with the class of 1964 from Campbell High School where he was a member of the '64 Mallards. Ray graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology as a Civil Engineer in 1969. He was also a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity at Georgia Tech and a lifelong Yellow Jackets fan.

From an early age, he displayed a natural curiosity and drive that would shape his remarkable career and personal life. As an entrepreneur, he founded Georgia Floors in 1988, where his leadership and relentless determination left a lasting impact on colleagues and clients. Ray was an active member of the National Association of Home Builders and was fundamental to the 2003 restoration of the historic Sherman Arcade in Panama City, FL. Always eager to learn, connect, and be inspired, Ray was an avid reader and recently published a novel.

Outside of work, Ray embraced life with an adventurous spirit by exploring the world. Ray visited China, Turkey, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Zambia, South Africa, and most of Europe. His most recent adventure was a trip to the Amazon Rainforest in May. After retiring from his business, Ray and his wife lived on a sailboat for several years before moving to Mexico in 2011. His stories of adventure captivated everyone he met, and he encouraged everyone around him to live boldly and authentically.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Diane (née Davidson); daughter, Emily (Daniel) Polanski of Canton, GA; son, David (Laura) Golz of New Orleans, LA; son, Michael (Sonia) Golz of Tampa, FL; sister, Sandy (Tom) DeLopez of Tallahassee, FL; and his six grandchildren: Hannah, Claira, Makayla, Eleanor, Carter, and Henry. Ray lived his life with boundless curiosity, a sharp mind, and tenacious spirit will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

There will not be a formal service in the United States. Instead, his family invites those who knew him to celebrate his life in their own way-perhaps by sharing a book recommendation with a friend, exploring a new destination, or simply raising a glass in his honor.

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Recent Activity

February 21, 2026

Sandy DeLopez posted to the memorial.

March 6, 2025

Mike Bailey posted to the memorial.

January 4, 2025

Kathleen Sullivan posted to the memorial.

7 Entries

Sandy DeLopez

February 21, 2026

Ray was my big brother... many happy childhood memories in Smyrna and Marietta. He was always studious, outgoing and popular. He created the Mallard at Campbell high school, a secret society. He played football at Campbell in his freshman year, broke his two front teeth in a game, hence the caps on his front teeth.
He taught me how to drive a stick shift in his convertible Chevrolet Corsair. So patient! And the hills in Marietta were such a challenge...
He was a good teacher.
After college, I saw less of him... he was off and running in his career, marriages and children. After I graduated from Emory, I married Tom, a dentist, and we lived in Germany and then Tallahassee. Ray visited a few times, then moved to Mexico.
I miss my big brother.

Mike Bailey

March 6, 2025

Ray´s leadership and vision took Georgia Floors to a level beyond what any of us imagined. My life has been so much better because I knew him.

Kathleen Sullivan

January 4, 2025

My first memory of Ray was meeting with him to discuss the design studio. I was tasked with coming up with a design to present at my first meeting with Ray. My vision did not align with Ray´s vision and he challenged me every step of the way - and yes his face did indeed turn red.
Ray was such a smart man and I learned so so much from him - not just the business numbers but business philosophy and relationships and world history to name a few. He was always ready to talk. He created a culture at Georgia floors like nothing I have ever experienced anywhere. I feel very fortunate that I got to know even just a little bit of Ray. My sincere condolences to his family.

Leigh Ann Smith

December 28, 2024

Ray left a lasting memory for all his employees at Georgia Floors. Even after all these years, many of our GF family say it is the best place they ever worked at. He is the only boss I have ever had that you were open to discuss differing ideas to his and even though his face might have gotten red while having that discussion, he truly listened. I remember one time he even came back the next day after thinking about things and apologized and we compromised on how to approach whatever it was. A good man who earned respect easily and inspired many. We were blessed to have known him. Thankful that he achieved so many of his dreams. Prayers are with Diane and the kids and grandkids.