Ray Jay Harding, age 37, of Butte, Montana, passed away on November 13, 2022. He was born on August 24, 1985, in Butte Montana to Raymond and Lori Campbell. He passed away at his home in Butte on November 13, 2022.
Ray attended local schools in Butte, and he graduated from Butte High School in 2003. While growing up in Butte, Ray had many talents. He enjoyed playing the flute, being in choir, but his greatest talent of all was acting. Ray was cast in many plays at Butte High and the Orphan Girl Theater, and he was recently cast as an extra in the T.V. series 1923.
Ray eventually met Landis Harding, and they were married on November 20, 2014, in Butte Montana but they later went their separate ways.
Ray worked his whole life in the retail industry, but his main passion was working with cell phones and electronics, he was working for Russell Cellular at the time of his death.
Ray was a ray of sunshine, and he inspired all that knew him, and his personality was unmatched. On any given day you could find Ray on the folf course with his cousins, Alexis, and Tray Campbell, the “twins.” Ray was a big advocate for the LGBTQ community around the state of Montana, he was crowned Mr. Gay Butte #9 and he was very proud of this accomplishment.
Ray is preceded in death by his grandparents, Leroy and Joan Ball, George Campbell, Amada Ramirez, and his mother, Lori Campbell. He is survived by his father, Raymond Campbell of Butte, his siblings, Jeanna (Billy) Maart of Florence, Trini Campbell of Missoula, Travis (April) Campbell of Missoula, Andrea Boyd and Justin Perusich of Butte, and Ryan (Ann) Campbell of Anaconda, as well as his best friends Lorrie (Lionel) Santos, Keri (Keaton) Hawk and his godchildren, Taylor, Mackenzie, and Quentin as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Viewing and time for visitation will be held form 2-4pm on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services, 2009 Harrison Ave., Butte, Montana, 59701. A celebration of life will held from 1-4pn on Friday, December 16, 2022, at the McQueen Club, 3250 Hecla St. in Butte. This is event is being organized by family, for questions contact Ray’s family directly.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to take care of Ray and his family. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ray.
Service Schedule
Viewing
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday November 19, 2022
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services
2009 Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday December 16, 2022
McQueen Athletic Club
3250 Hecla St.
Butte, Montana 59701
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Amber Hawkins says
Dearest Rae, I can’t believe you are gone. Even though we haven’t spoke in a while, I never stopped loving you and caring for you. You were such an important part of my life for so many years. My son is going to miss out on knowing his Godfather. You’re the brother I never had, both in drag and in real life. Give your mom a hug for me. I hope you rest well. Love, Amber aka Kitty Liquor. ♥
Taylor Eveland says
Aunty rae, you were always so much more then just a godfather to me, you were always someone i could laugh with I would always get so excited when I’d see your car in our driveway. You were an essential part of my childhood. I’m going to miss the attempts to give us swirlies and throwing Mackenzie in the pool. I wish I got to tell you goodbye. It still doesn’t feel quite real but i know i’m always going to miss you.
Pam Cunningham says
RJ, you will be missed greatly. I will miss your jaunty hats, sassiness and smile. Sending you all the hugs forever and a day.
Cherie Headley says
Ray’s family,
I worked with Ray at Walmart. I loved how Ray made people feel about themselves. He would opened up his heart to anyone he cared for. I ran into him at Walmart shopping on Friday. He had the biggest smile on his face. I can’t believe he’s gone. I thought of Ray like he was my kid. My daughter thought highly of Ray. He would help her pick out toys at the store when she was little. I will always remember him. I hope his family find peace for the loss of a great man.
My prayers go out to his father and family
Marcy and Gary Ball says
Dear Ray and family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this time of great loss and sadness. We hope that peace and comfort surrounds you knowing that RJ is is the loving care of our Father and Creator.
We were blessed to spend time with RJ in September 2022. RJ was full of life and on was so positive. He was so excited and focused on succeeding in his career. We were so impressed with him.
We love you Ray and Ryan. We will truly miss you RJ. Blossom in heaven as you did here on Earth.
Love Uncle Gary and Aunt Marcy
Eric Hyatt says
Rj,
When we crossed paths many years ago, I can say that we became the best of friends. You had a smile like my own. You had a heart of gold like myself. Your friendship, kindness, smile, and laughter will never be forgotten.
To the family,
He is not merely dead, but lives on in each and everyone of you. You all have the memories of him, which will never change. He will be there when it is our turn to be home, he will greet all his friends and family with open arms full of God’s love and peace.
I’m sorry for your loss, he was truly a wonderful friend to me. God Bless you all.
Eric S. Hyatt
Nathan says
I remember Ray from his time in Oregon. Though only knew him briefly, he wasn’t the most honest person and seemed like he used people even in a tight spot. Hopefully he turned his life around in the end.