Raymond Loving, Jr., known as “Buddy,” was born in Richmond, Virginia. He stayed in his home state and received a B.A. degree from the University of Virginia, with an additional degree from Phillips College. When it came to understanding golf course architecture, Loving took classes in landscape architecture, turf grass science, and financial management at Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He was also trained in golf course design by his grandfather Fred Findlay, who he worked for part-time.

After working with the family in golf course design, Loving partnered with Algie Pulley and started a team that handled original designs and constructed layouts designed by others. After a few years, Loving resumed solo practice for the remainder of his career.

Loving was elected into ASGCA in 1974 as an Associate member and promoted to a Regular member in 1976. He was later promoted to Fellow status in 1996 and served the organization for 24 years until his death in 1998.