It is with great sadness to announce the passing of husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a friend to many, Ray Holtz.  Ray left this world and the people he loved on March 5, 2026, at the age of 85.

Horatio Harold "Ray" Holtz was born on May 22, 1940 at Mary Ann Township, Licking County, Ohio to the late Harold and Doris (Lane) Holtz.  Ray grew up in the area where he acquired lifelong values of work, family, community and an appreciation for the natural world in the close-knit rural area.  Ray graduated from Utica High School, class of 1958.

Ray was a lifelong Licking County resident except for his years of service in the U.S. Air Force.  While stationed in Dover, Delaware, Ray met and soon married his wife of sixty-two years, Barbara Revelle.  Upon returning to Newark, Ray and Barbara raised their family of four children, engaged in numerous community organizations and later established Holtz Industries in Newark.

Family and friends will remember Ray as a man of unwavering moral character and generosity. Ray selflessly put others in life first including family, friends, employees and even strangers.  He leaves a legacy of a full, well-lived life and an example to many.

Ray is survived by his wife, Barbara Holtz; daughter, Denise (Terry) Phillips of New Vienna, Ohio; son, Gregory Holtz (Michael Refat) of Reading, Massachusetts; son, Raymond (Trisha) Holtz of Newark; sister, Dorothy (Dan) Porterfield of Newark; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Ray is preceded in passing by daughter, Debbie Holtz Freuler; parents, Harold and Doris Holtz; brother, Archie Gibson; sisters, Willa Wilson and Naomi Vance; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Gibson.

The family will receive friends on March 11, 2026 from 10-12 pm at the Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, where his services will immediately follow at 12 pm with Pastor Corbin Huffman officiating. Burial in Newark Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Hospice of Central Ohio or the Licking County Humane Society.

Online condolences can be made at www.bucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com

"I Had a Great Life. Hope You Did Too." -Ray Holtz