Russell Ray Dellinger

Russell Ray Dellinger of Florence went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 19, after an extended illness.Born in Gaffney, South Carolina, to the late Russell and Nanette Baber Dellinger on October 9, 1942, Ray spent his early years in Gaffney, graduating from Gaffney High School.A talented artist, Ray won the contest to design the school flag which still flies today.He was a gifted vocalist and a drummer, having played in several bands in his early years, highlighted by his band The Capris, backing artists such as The Drifters, The Coasters and The Temptations. Ray moved to Florence in 1965. On September 16, 1967, Ray married the love of his life, Dianne Poston of Pamplico.Their union was blessed by the addition of their son Russ in 1969 and daughter Trina in 1971.They lived and raised their family in Florence. Ray was a piano technician extraordinaire, having founded Dellinger Piano Service.He had also worked with Turner Keyboards in Augusta and Hodges Piano and Organ in Florence.He was a certified piano technician and member of the Piano Technicians Guild who was highly sought after by many world renowned artists touring through the southeastern region. He was loved by his many customers (individuals, churches, local schools and university, and civic and performing arts centers) and will be greatly missed. Ray, along with his wife Dianne, was an active member of Abundant Life Church in Florence, where they especially enjoyed their duties as greeters.He always felt blessed to be a part of the warm and loving fellowship of his church family. In Ray’s later years, he really enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, photography, staying on the cutting edge of technology and keeping up with his friends and family over social media. He was well read, had a great mind for trivia and could fix anything. Ray is survived by his beloved wife, Dianne Poston Dellinger (September of this year would mark their Golden Wedding Anniversary); his son Russell Ray Dellinger, Jr., (fiancé Tammy) of Florence; his daughter Trina Dellinger Gleissner (Gary) of Santa Barbara, California; grandsons Josh and Jansson Dellinger and granddaughter Grace Dellinger, by whom he is known as their beloved Papa Ray; sisters Pam Starr (Lloyd) and Nanette LeMaster; and his many friends and extended family. The family wishes to thank Dr. Quaye at Magnolia Health Care, with a special thanks to Nurses Paige Fields Tolley along with Tiffany who have been absolutely remarkable during Ray’s care. A celebration of Ray's life will be held on Sunday, April 23, at Abundant Life Church, 3030 S. Irby Street in Florence. The family will greet friends at 2:00 PM.Funeral service will follow at 3:00 PM, the Rev. Carl Morris officiating.Burial will be in the Poston Family Cemetery in Pamplico.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Abundant Life Church or to hungryformusic.org, a charity that provides musical instruments for underprivileged children.