Colleagues, Friends and Shipmates,

I got one of those phone calls from Louisiana this morning you never want to get. We have all lost a friend, a comrade, a fellow in the great struggles of the last century and the one we are struggling through now. Ray was a Master Chief Bo’sun, among a myriad of other things. He was Coast Guard and understood the ways of the sea and of the bays and rivers of the interior of this great land.

He was also a historian and author, but one of extraordinary depth and understanding. In the course of my own scribblings, if I needed an understanding of the depth and texture of the sea, of law enforcement in the maritime environment and courage in the face of extraordinary circumstance, Ray was my go-to source of wisdom. His work with Admiralty press was highly valuable for us all, but his friendship was one of the great treasures of my life, and his loss is striking me particularly hard on this gray Virginia morning.

I considered relocating to Louisiana upon my retirement to share his love of the bayous and waterways, and the great warm salt air that comes with the Gulf coast. It hurts. Spare him a thought on this sad day, and know he gave of himself to make us all better people, or if we found ourselves in need of a quick trice up to meet the circumstances of our variable lives.

The family tells me that he was professional to the end, despite progressive illness with which he did not burden his friends. I can only say that I will welcome his greeting when I take my voyage across the Styx. He was a great and unique man, and I will miss him as long as I linger. Farewell, Shipmate.

May the Lord’s light shine upon your memory, and may your eternal ship sail straight and ready into the gales of eternity. He proofed this obituary as a testament to just how ready a sailor can be.

Raymond F. Bollinger, Jr., son of the late R.F. Bollinger and Rhea Douglas Bollinger passed away Friday, June 12, 2020 at the age of 72. He was a retired U.S. Merchant Marine Officer in the grade of Master and Pilot and a retired Master Chief Petty Officer from the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. He retired from the Department of Homeland Security as a Maritime Analyst.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lois Woolverton Bollinger; his daughter, Rae Falgout; his son-in-law, Joshua Falgout; his four siblings, four nieces, and two nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at 11am on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at St. Ann Church, 3601 Transcontinental Dr. Metairie, LA 70006.

Visitation will begin at church for 10am. Inurnment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, Masses preferred. To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com

Farewell, my friend. Our sorrow and best wishes go out to all the family, and our warm thoughts to all with whom you served so well.

J.R. Reddig
Arlington, Virginia