Raymond Alver Golz

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.