Memorial Gallery

Raymond P. Wenig passed away at the University of Florida Health Shands Cancer Hospital in Gainesville, Florida on July 25, 2021 at the age of 82, following a difficult battle with cancer.

Ray is predeceased by his parents, Paul D. and Ruth E. (Lau) Wenig and his infant son, Jon Raymond. 

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Sandra (Nickles), of 58 years.

Ray is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Julie Connolly and husband Sean of Nashua, NH; daughter Cheryl Biggins and husband Craig of Thornton, CO; daughter Lydia Dolph and husband Donald of Milton, MA; and grandchildren Shaela, Cara, Mary, Ryan, Macey, Max, and Lukas.

Ray was a longtime resident of Hilton Head, SC, Osterville, MA, and Sherborn, MA. Recently, Ray and Sandy became Florida residents and full-time RVers while they wintered warmly, traveled cross-country to visit with family and friends, and met new friends through work camping.

After high school, Ray earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management from MIT. Ray parlayed his passion for and understanding of technology into a successful training and consulting career. After starting with computer services firm CEIR (the Council for Economic and Industry Research, Inc.), where he managed consulting efforts in Boston and New York, Ray went out on his own, eventually founding International Management Services (IMS) in the early 1970s. For over 40 years – from the early days of the computing industry through the internet era – IMS helped clients understand and apply fast-moving computer technology advances by providing information systems planning, management training, and consulting services around the globe. Project management, minicomputer application and use, systems analysis and design, computer-aided software engineering, and wireless networking were some of the many areas of IMS expertise. At its peak, IMS had over 20 employees. Clients included government and industry across all continents.

After several years in Massachusetts, Ray and Sandy “retired” to Hilton Head, SC. Retirement for Ray meant keeping busy in new ways. He co-founded the Hilton Head/Savannah area angel investor group, Ariel Southeast Angel Partners, and served as its director for ten years. He later became Executive Director of Experience Green, an environmental education and consulting organization. Ray also lent his vast business expertise to local government and civic groups, including Beaufort County, the Center for Service Leadership, and the Lowcountry Small Business Hub.

Ray maintained his faith and fellowship through active church membership, most recently at the First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head and previously at the United Methodist Church of Osterville and Pilgrim Church of Sherborn. Ray was also active in several community organizations over the years, including the Red Brook Harbor Yacht Club, Hyannis Yacht Club, South Carolina Yacht Club, Windmill Harbor Property Owners’ Association, MIT Alumni Association Club of SC and Coastal GA, Travel Supreme Owners Association, and Entegra Coach Owners Association.

Ray had a thirst for learning and was a voracious reader, particularly of business and technology publications. He was also an author of multiple books and articles, as well as a great orator, with dry wit and a commanding stage presence.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed RVing and boating. Ray was also incredibly handy and completed numerous home improvement projects over the years. Ray also loved dogs, from Norwegian Elkhounds to his latest canine companions, a pair of Havanese.

Ray was a doer. He was happiest tinkering with the latest technology, reading about technology, or capturing his thoughts and to-dos on a legal pad. His office was always covered with stacks of books, periodicals, printouts, legal pads, and more, which he navigated via his photographic memory-designed organization system.

Ray also loved spending time with family and friends. He relished sharing his technology, business, and home improvement insights, but he would also help with grandchild bottle feedings, story readings, swing pushing, and more. He wrote the annual family Christmas letter and was even known to dance the Macarena at family weddings.