Raymond Claude Campbell
Obituary
Raymond Claude Campbell was born on August 22, 1946 in Stockton, CA to James Claude Campbell and Zelpha (Yarbrough) Campbell. Ray peacefully made his transition from this life on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at the age of 71.
Growing up, Ray was a typical boy. After high school, he was going to play baseball for OSU, but instead went on a “Senior Trip to Vietnam”. After serving in the Army, he was honorably discharged and began working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a cable splicer. Ray enjoyed woodworking, building odd contraptions with Hollowell, coaching/playing baseball/softball. During retirement, Ray enjoyed gardening, spending time with family, well most days anyway, gambling, playing chauffeur, consuming Milwaukee’s Best while keeping an eye on the neighborhood from the comfort of his carport chair, typically shirtless with tan lines on his feet, and doing whatever Cynthia told him to do. Most importantly, he loved allowing “The Girls” to influence and assist him in many mischievous adventures, On two such occasions, he found himself fighting for his life after parasailing and jet skiing in the Caribbean and taking vodka shots in St. Petersburg, Russia. On one of the adventures, Ray managed to cross “The Pond” only to purchase a jacket in London, England that had buttons of the “Great State of Oklahoma” on it. Ray had many great adventures in his lifetime and we cannot wait to see what contraptions he has built when we meet him on the other side.
He was married to the love of his life for 44 years; Cynthia Ann (Strait) Campbell. Others left to cherish his memories include daughter Scarlett Young, husband Dale, and granddaughters, Danielle and Kennedy; son James Wade Campbell and wife Resy; brother Wayne Campbell and wife Barbara; and brother-in-law Mike Strait and wife Linda.
The family will receive friends from 3-5PM Sunday at the Ninde Brookside Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held 1:00 P.M. Monday at the Ninde Brookside Chapel with interment in Prairie View Cemetery Prue, OK. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Clarehouse, in Ray's memory.
Events
Tributes & Memories
I was stranded in Ks and the snow prevented me from coming to Ray's funeral. Ray was kind and like Rev. Queen, he was more than a neighbor to me. While walking my golden retrievers in the neighborhood years ago, I first met Ray. This was long before Cynthia retired. I can recall some of the 'over the top' acts of kindness to share. One hot afternoon while walking I had to take a call from my cell in front of Ray's house. Under his big shade tree he'd dragged a chair for me to sit and finish my conversation. Another incident brings tears to my eyes each time i look at my vintage child's rocker, just like the one he has. To my disappointment, a grandchild stepped in it and put a foot partially through the woven seat. Ray made a hard wood seat for it and even chose fabric it and covered it for me. I recall our conversation before Cynthia's retirement. He had a routine and he didn't want it to be interrupted. I thought maybe it was some sort of goofing off but no such thing for Ray. He said on Monday he did laundry, Tuesday he ironed . . . . . Ray was full of surprises. One day several years ago I stopped to talk and he was aggravated with Cynthia. She'd booked an Alaska cruise without asking him (what a girl!). Several weeks later when I saw him and asked him about the trip he admitted that he'd go back the next day if he could. And the there's the story about his clematis. While chatting I mentioned that his clematis looked great. He said that the previous Feb. Cynthia told him (or suggested) that he cut it back to the ground. He grudgingly did it, knowing that it was a BAD IDEA. However, by spring the clematis looked amazing. I asked him if he thanked her for her gardening know how but he hadn't. Ray talked about his difficulty sleeping because of his PTSD following his military service in Viet Nam. What a Friend We Have in Jesus, a song that comforts when we loose someone like Ray, assures us that even though Ray had trials, temptations, trouble and frustrations he is at peace with his Savior. Brady street will never be the same without our watchdog. Ray loved his family and was so very proud of his granddaughters. He gave of himself easily but had difficulty taking, even a compliment. Again, if asked to describe Ray with only one word, it would be that he was kind. I personally will strive to be more kind to honor Ray and the blessing of Ray's friendship.
Linda Edwards
Ray was a good man and a good friend we shared a lot of good times at work and playing ball. He was always willing to help others! RIP R C!
LARRY W FILBY
My condolences to the Campbell and Young family. You all are in my prayers.
Cynthia Magness
So very sorry to hear about the loss of this good man. Heaven has gained a new member for it’s Heavenly choir. Sending prayers of comfort for the entire family.
Kari Cosner
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. We are so sorry for your loss and know you have many precious memories. Friends, Tom and Patti Whorton
Tom and Patti Whorton
Sorry for your family loss. we will all miss his smiles and laughter. The Yarbrough family reunion will not be the same.
Chuck Yarbrough
My condolences and prayers to the family of Ray, Ray and I started our SWBT careers together in 1968. I will always remember him fondly'
Willie Holt
My heartfelt sympathy. May you find comfort in family and friends and loving memories to heal your heart.
Deanna Barsh Dent
We wanted to offer our condolences for the loss of your beloved Ray. We will truly miss his charm and will never forget how welcoming he and your family have been to us over the years. We are thankful for every moment.
Norma & Jose Alvarez
Lit a candle in memory of Raymond Claude Campbell
Vance garrison
To the family: so sorry for your loss,my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Ray was so good to me as a young man.He trained me when No one else would. Probably kept me from being fired, more than once.I have such fond memories. I remember when ole catfish crombie would have a little too much to drink at one of the local establishments he'd always call ray to come get him and take him home.ray always knew when catfish called if he was drunk because he'd call ray 'claiborne', I asked why does he call you that, he said because ray reminded him of a guy catfish served with in ww2,anyhow this was typical of r.c. ,he was always ready to help.may you all find peace and comfort at this time., thank you for your kindness over the years, with love, vance garrison
Vance garrison
July 4, 2015 Celebration
Jorge & Margaret Linares
Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy are with you all as you go thru the loss of such a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Cousin, & Great Friend! He will always remain in our hearts forever with fond memories of his kindness, humor, sweet personality, love, & happiness when he lite up the room with his smile. R.I.P.
Jorge & Margaret Linares
In loving memory!
Jorge & Margaret Linares