Raymond "Ray" George Rennebaum

Colonel Raymond (Ray) George Rennebaum, Sr., U.S. Army (Retired), passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at the age of 98 at the Heritage at Lowman in Chapin, South Carolina. He was born on October 8, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Frederick Ernst Rennebaum and Edna Teresa Feller. A proud veteran, family man, and accomplished leader, Colonel Rennebaum’s remarkable life of service and dedication spanned over three wars and 36 years of military service.

Ray grew up on the family farm in Brecksville, Ohio, and was a standout student at Brecksville High School. He served as senior class president, played center on the football team, and was active in the drama club. In June 1944, following in the footsteps of his four older brothers—Bill, Bud, Don and Bob—Ray enlisted in the U.S. Army as a private.

Ray's early years in the Army were marked by rigorous training and service during World War II. After attending two semesters at Purdue University, he completed Infantry Basic Training at Camp Blanding, Florida, and Airborne/Parachute/Glider training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was assigned to the 13th Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, later designated the 82nd Airborne Division, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Following WWII, Ray completed his business degree in 1951 from Bowling Green University and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity serving as President his senior year. That same year, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army and married Rita Marie Koch, his beloved wife of 60 years. Rita was the younger sister of Art Koch, Ray’s best high school friend. Once together, Ray and Rita traveled the world throughout Ray’s military career.

Colonel Rennebaum’s military journey spanned three wars—World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War—and included assignments in Germany, Korea, Vietnam, Oklahoma, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Alabama, Pennsylvania and Ohio. He rose through the ranks from Private to Colonel, earning numerous decorations and commendations along the way, including the Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster. Ray’s leadership was exemplified in key roles such as Battery Commander in Korea, Assistant Chief of Staff G-4 in Vietnam, and Director of Training at the U.S. Army Logistics Center at Fort Lee, Virginia.

In 1956 Ray was promoted to Captain and in 1958 was assigned to Korea, Battery Commander, 2nd Battalion 20th Artillery, 1st Calvary Division. Upon his return from Korea in 1959, Ray was promoted to Major and earned his MBA from George Washington University before being assigned as the Inspector General for Special Weapons in Frankfurt, Germany. In 1965 Ray was promoted to Lt. Col. and took command of the 2nd Battalion 6th Artillery, in Gelnhausen, Germany where he received his first Legion of Merit. From 1967 to 1968 Ray was selected to attend the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, VA and the United States Army War College in Carlisle, PA before being assigned to the Pentagon in Washington DC to develop a logistical strategy for the withdrawal of the Army from Vietnam. During the height of the Vietnam War, Lt. Col. Rennebaum was entrusted with the responsibility of implementing his plan and coordinating the U.S. Army’s withdrawal from Vietnam, briefing Army leadership, including General William Westmoreland. His service culminated in his promotion to Colonel in 1970 while serving as the G-4 Assistant Chief of Staff near Ben Wah, Vietnam. Following his service in Vietnam, Col. Rennebaum served as Executive Officer of the Deputy Chief of Staff Logistics US Army Europe in Heidelberg, Germany and as Deputy Commander of the 56th Artillery Brigade in Schwaebisch Gmund, Germany. He was then assigned to Ft. Lee, VA in 1974 where he served as Director of Training at the US Army Logistics Center until his retirement.

Ray retired in 1980 after 36 years of distinguished service, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, integrity, and service to his country. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Rita, and his four older brothers, Bill, Bud, Don and Bob, and his older sister, Josephine. He is survived by five children: Raymond Rennebaum, Jr. (Hollywood, CA), Robin Malolepszy (Dave) (Columbus, OH), Rhonda McKee (Belmont, NC), Richard Rennebaum (Lynn) (Chapin, SC), and Robert Rennebaum (Dee) (North Palm Beach, FL).

Ray also leaves behind a legacy of seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren: Lisa Sokac (Dan) and daughters, Lily and Kylie; David Malolepszy (Mary Beth) and children, Morley and Burke; Anna McKee; Jacob Rennebaum (Ellen) and children, Louise and George; Lukas Rennebaum (Lily) and children, John Maxwell and Albert Raymond; Joshua Rennebaum (fiancé Kate); and Megan Rennebaum. He cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were a source of immense joy.

Beyond his military career, Ray was an avid pilot, flying his restored Aeronca 1947 artillery spotter aircraft into his mid-90s. A lifelong outdoorsman, he enjoyed boating, sailing, waterskiing, and shooting sports. He also remained physically active, working out in the gym well into his 90s. As a supporter of the Boy Scouts and an enthusiastic participant in many outdoor activities, Ray instilled in his family and friends a love for adventure, fitness, and lifelong learning.

Ray attended St. James Catholic Church in Hopewell, VA before relocating to Chapin, SC where he became an active member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.

In his final days, Father Dennis Willey of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church visited Ray and blessed him, bringing him peace and solace. Ray’s faith remained steadfast throughout his life, and his legacy is one of service, love, and dedication to family, country, and community. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lutheran Hospice (Lutheran Homes of South Carolina, P.O. Box 805, White Rock, SC, 29177).

A memorial service with full Military Honors will be held for family and friends at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery on June 27th, 2025 at 10:00 am. A celebration of life will immediately follow at a location to be specified.