Raymond Vital Fontaine Jr.

Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Ray graduated from A.C. Flora High School, where he ran track and field. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina, where he served as president of the Rho Epsilon real estate fraternity.

Ray was a licensed Real Estate Broker and Homebuilder for over 40 years, working in all aspects of the industry—from residential and commercial sales to property development and management.

An avid Gamecock football fan, Ray was an original founder of the Cockabooses, where Ray and Mandy would help host legendary Gamecock tailgating. Ray always wanted everyone to come out to the Cockaboose and enjoy Carolina football with him and all of our Cockaboose partners. He served for several years as president of the Cockaboose Association.

Ray also served on the City of Columbia Livability Court and was president of the Columbia Offshore Fishing Club. He volunteered as a coach for little league baseball and soccer and served as a Boy Scout troop leader. He was very involved in his son’s scouting journey and was immensely proud when his son attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Ray and his family attended Forest Lake Presbyterian Church.

Ray’s favorite pastimes were mahi fishing off the South Carolina coast and spending time in the wood’s deer and dove hunting with his son, Grant. His happiest days were spent offshore fishing with Grant and friends, watching the sunrise miles off the Georgetown coast. For Ray, it was never about the fish—it was about the time shared and the beauty of the journey. His love for the outdoors and his deep bond with his son were central to his life.

Ray was predeceased by his mother, Brenna M. Fontaine; his father, Col. Raymond Vital Fontaine Sr.; and his father-in-law, John V. Green. He is survived by his wife, Mandy, and his beloved son, Grant; his mother-in-law, Jane Green; his sister-in-law, Janet Holland, and her husband, Sam; and his nephew, Townes Holland and other extended family.

A service to celebrate Ray’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Forest Lake Presbyterian Church. A private burial will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens at 10:00 a.m. The family will receive friends in the church parlor immediately following the service.

The service will also be livestreamed at https://flpc.org/live-streaming-services/

To honor Ray’s memory, charitable donations may be made to Forest Lake Presbyterian Church.

Mandy and Grant would like to thank all of our family and friends for their full love and support during this difficult time. We especially would like to thank Maggie Randle, who holds a special place in Grant’s heart, and who has shown her love to our entire family.