Benjamin Ray Olinger, M.D., known to family and friends as “Ray,” passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the age of 89.

Ray was born on July 18, 1935, in Roda, Wise County, Virginia, to Sheff Daniel Olinger, Sr., and Ada Yeary Olinger. From an early age, he displayed a strong dedication to learning and service, qualities that defined his remarkable life.

He graduated from Big Stone Gap High School before attending the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, VA. Ray went on to earn his medical degree from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, beginning a lifelong career in medicine. He specialized as an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, devoting his career to improving the lives of his patients.

Ray’s commitment to service extended beyond his civilian medical practice, as he proudly served in the United States Air Force Medical Corps. He completed his internship at William Beaumont General Hospital, Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX, followed by flight surgeon training at Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. He then served as a flight surgeon with the Strategic Air Command at Turner Air Force Base in Albany, GA, where he was promoted to the rank of Captain.

Dr. Olinger went on to complete a residency in general surgery at Richmond Memorial Hospital in Richmond, VA, and a residency in otolaryngology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, VA. In 1967, he moved to Asheville and established the Asheville Ear, Nose, and Throat medical practice. In 1974, he was elected President of the Buncombe County Medical Society – a role that reflected the deep respect and admiration of his peers.

Dr. Olinger’s professional affiliations included: Fellow of the American College of Surgeons; Fellow of the American Society of Head, Neck, and Ear Surgeons; Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology; Diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery; member of the North and South Carolina Societies of Otolaryngology; Buncombe County Medical Society; North Carolina Medical Society; and the American Medical Association.

Ray was a member of the Rhododendron Brigade of Guards, where he served as Chief of Staff from 1978 to 1979 and was honored as a Knight of the Laurel. He was also a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and a past member of the Biltmore Forest Country Club.

In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Olinger was deeply involved in his community. He coached Little League baseball for several years and served as the team physician for local youth football teams – termites, mites, and midgets – offering his medical expertise and personal support to countless young athletes.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ray found great joy in the outdoors. He was an avid hunter who cherished time spent in nature, whether hunting or simply appreciating the beauty of the mountains and fields he loved. As a longtime member of the Seniard Creek Farm hunting club, he formed many close friendships that meant the world to him.

He also had a deep love of history, especially the Civil War period, and enjoyed reading, studying, and discussing it with friends and family. The outdoors and the past were a source of peace and adventure for him, and he passed along this appreciation to family and friends. His stories – often told with a quick wit and a twinkle in his eye – captured his deep love for the land, his unforgettable sense of humor, and his generous spirit.

Dr. Olinger was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings, William Olinger, Sheff Daniel Olinger, Jr., and Elizabeth Olinger.

Ray is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley Nuckles Olinger; his daughter, Sharon Gay Olinger of Asheville, NC; his son, Benjamin Ray Olinger, Jr. of Campobello, SC; his son, John Bell Floyd Olinger (the late Tamara) of Marietta, GA; his daughter, Jennifer Olinger Deatherage (Ralph) of Puyallup, WA; and his three treasured grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Sue Shaw (Larry) of Floyd, VA, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Ray’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jim Cummings (Blue Ridge Premier Medicine) and Dr. William Wharton (Asheville Cardiology Associates) for their compassionate care and support.

Ray’s legacy of compassion, humor, and dedication to others will continue to live on through his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of Ray’s life will be held starting at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 17th in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian, 72 Long Shoals Road, Arden, NC 28704 and will be streamed live via the link just below the obituary text starting at 1:50 PM. His family will greet friends at the funeral home immediately following the service.