Ramon "Ray" Ricardo Priestino

COLUMBIA—A memorial service for Ray Priestino, 76, of Columbia, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 30, 2017 at Eau Claire Baptist Church, 4427 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29203 with Reverend Steven Bouknight and Reverend Jimmy Goudelock officiating.Following the service, a reception will be held at 224 Rocky Point Drive, Columbia, SC 29212. All are welcome. Ray beloved husband of Sandra Leaphart Priestino, passed away on Saturday, July 22, 2017.Born in Santa Monica, California he was the son of the late, Donaldo Herondo Priestino and Phyllis Lee Weeks Priestino. Ray Priestino graduated from Varina High School in Varina, Virginia. Following high school, Ray enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served honorably at Shaw Air Force Base. He played basketball for Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, received a Masters Degree from Florida State University and a Doctorate from Ohio State University.Ray worked as a researcher for a social sciences think tank before becoming an Administrator with the Franklin County Juvenile Services and later the Executive Director for the Ohio Veterans Children’s Home. Ray raised six children, founded the Dublin Soccer League in Dublin, Ohio, and served as a Distinguished President for the Dublin, Ohio chapter of the Kiwanis Club. Since retiring and moving back to South Carolina, Ray has been a strong presence in the Eau Claire Baptist Church in Columbia, serving as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and President of the Senior Activity Group. Ray touched many lives in his 76 years and he was beloved by his family and friends. Surviving in addition to his wife of 52 years, Sandra L. Priestino; daughters, Cheryn A. Priestino, Kesslyn P. Tench (James) and Radley M. West (Andrew); sons, Edward R. Priestino, Thomas R. Priestino and Jonn L. Priestino (Peaches); brother, R. Terry Priestino (Jill); grandchildren, Goldie M. Hernandez (Erasmo), Karly B. Mullis, Devin T. Priestino, Kody A. Mullis, Taelor M. Priestino, Carlisa L. Thompson (Nick), J.J. Priestino, J. Riley Tench, K. Ashley Tench, Ilisa J. Priestino, Amanda R. Priestino, Colin R. Priestino and Peyton P. West; great-grandchildren, Ethan E. Hernandez, Guillermina L. Hernandez and Klayton M. Thompson.Besides his parents, Ray was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Anita and Lorraine. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Eau Claire Baptist Church Building Fund, 4427 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29203.