Raymond John Lutz

Raymond John Lutz, 78, “slipped the surly bonds of Earth to touch the face of God” on April 28, 2026, at his home in Valle Crucis following a long, arduous, and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Philadelphia on October 28, 1947, to the late Oren F. and Elizabeth M. Cooper Lutz, he was also predeceased by his sister, Theresa. Ray is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Pamela Conover; sisters Elizabeth (Betty) Lutz and Mary K. Ferris; brothers Oren (Gabrielle), Casimir, Thomas, and John (Charlene) Lutz; dozens of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and his faithful German Shepherd, Missy.

A U.S. Army veteran and licensed pilot who loved flying above the clouds, Ray’s generosity, gentle spirit, and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him. His 50+ year career in the corporate sector included senior executive positions at United Airlines, Holland America Lines, Skyway Freight Systems, ASTAR Air Cargo, the Travel Industry Association of America, and various consulting assignments in the cruise industry. Ray received both MM and MBA degrees from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University and completed the Harvard University International Advanced Senior Management program as well as the Advanced Sales Organization Management program of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Ray’s volunteer service to numerous civic and faith-based organizations cannot be overstated. In the High Country of Western NC, he founded the popular Men’s Night Out ministry of Holy Cross Church and expanded its outreach to include every Episcopal parish in the county. He served with pride on the boards of the Valle Crucis Conference Center and the Hunger & Health Coalition and was a longtime member of the Friends of the Valle Crucis Community Park. Ray and his wife Pam co-chaired the venerable Valle Country Fair for two successful years, lending his organizational skills to an all-volunteer effort that generated tens of thousands of dollars for local charities and families in need.

In Florida, he and Pam lived in Key Biscayne, Weston, and Vero Beach for decades. Ray assisted Bishop Leo Frade of the Diocese of Southeast Florida to address business practices, leadership challenges, and management of property issues. He also supported St. Christopher’s by the Sea Church and its Montessori School, navigating them out of a financial crisis while developing their strategic direction and funding models, along with the expansion and refurbishment of the parish and school campus.

A burial service and celebration of life will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Scott A. Oxford at The Church of the Holy Cross in Valle Crucis at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 9 with a reception to follow at 11:15 in the Skiles Parish Hall at The Church of the Holy Cross. The family expresses their grateful appreciation to Dr. Bryant Ward and caregiver Bridget Demner.

Online condolences may be made at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Lutz family.

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