Obituary of Raymond Oliver
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Raymond "Ray" Oliver, 59, who passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by the love of his family until the very end.
To know Ray was to know one of the hardest-working, most dedicated, loyal, and genuine people you could ever meet. His honesty, reliability, and kindness earned him the respect and admiration of countless friends, customers, coworkers, and community members.
For more than 30 years, Ray proudly owned and operated U-Call-It-We-Haul-It, building it into one of the areas most trusted hauling businesses. Through his unwavering work ethic and commitment to treating people fairly, he built lasting relationships with customers, vendors, and friends alike. His reputation wasn't just built on business, it was built on character.
Although Ray took great pride in his work, his greatest joy was found in life's simple pleasures and the people he loved. He had a passion for classic cars and especially enjoyed restoring them alongside his best friend, Robert Strobeck. One of his favorite projects was his cherished 1946 Ford Sedan, and the countless hours spent working on it together created memories that will be treasured for generations. He also loved attending local car shows, concerts, trying new restaurants, exploring new places, and hosting yard sales throughout Cortland County.
Ray's home was always a place where everyone felt welcome. One of his favorite traditions was hosting Christmas Eve gatherings at his bar, where family and friends came together to enjoy great food, laughter, and unforgettable karaoke nights. Those evenings reflected exactly who Ray was, a man who loved bringing people together.
Above all else, Ray's greatest pride was his family. He leaves behind his life partner, Bobbi Jo Coville; his daughters, Ashley Caswell (Alex Zikeyev), Emili Oliver, Kira Oliver (Brandon Benjamin), and Kori Oliver; his grandchildren, Damian Barnard, Kohen Benjamin, Bexley Benjamin, Andre Zikeyev, and Natalia Zikayeva; his sisters, Jennifer Ryan and Amy Oliver; many nieces and nephews, along with many extended family members, lifelong friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have known him.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Glenna Ryder Morehouse; his stepfather, Earl Oliver; and many beloved aunts and uncles.
Ray's legacy of hard work, loyalty, generosity, humor, and unconditional love will live on through those he touched. He will be remembered not only for what he built, but for the way he made people feel, with kindness, respect, and a helping hand whenever it was needed.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.
Calling hours will be Saturday July 11, 2026, 11 am- 12:45 pm with a service to begin 1 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc, 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland NY, 13045. A private burial will be at the Mcgrawville Cemetery at a later time. A last call for Ray will be held at Ray's bar following services.