The Honorable Ronnie Ray Campbell

1954 - 2022

The Honorable Ronnie Ray Campbell

February 16, 1954 - December 13, 2022,

The Honorable Ronnie Ray Campbell, 68, of Raphine, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, surrounded by family at home after a battle with cancer. He currently served as the 24th District representative in the Virginia House of Delegates.

Delegate Campbell was born on February 16, 1954, in Waynesboro, Virginia, the son of the late Richard Donald Campbell and the late Frances Blackwell Campbell. He was raised in Lyndhurst and was a graduate of Stuarts Draft High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from East Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in Risk Management from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Delegate Campbell was a servant leader, who spent his time trying to help others and better his community. He dedicated his life to public service, retiring as a Trooper after 25 years with the Virginia State Police, serving 10 years on the Rockbridge County School Board, 6 years on the Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors and 4 years in the Virginia House of Delegates. He also served in many other roles on numerous boards and committees, and as a volunteer in the community. He was a member of New Beginnings Christian Church.

In 1977, he married Katherine Ann Hyden, with whom he raised three daughters. He served as her dedicated caretaker through her own battle with cancer until her death in 1999. In 2007, he married Ellen Hamilton Boyd, who survives. Together, he and Ellen blended their individual families into one large family that has continued to grow both in size and in love during their 15 year marriage.

Delegate Campbell was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Frances Campbell; his first wife, Katherine "Kathy" Campbell; his sister, Faye Campbell; his special cousin, Brenda Patterson; and many other special family and friends.

Delegate Campbell is survived by his loving wife, Ellen; daughters, Michelle Kirby (Jason), Ella Branch (Scott), and Tracy Hibbitts (Harry); stepdaughters, Amanda Harlow (Jarrett) and Brooke Boyd (Micah Miller); seven grandchildren, Zach, Lindsey, Jacob, Evan, Katherine, Logan and Nora; his siblings, Donnie Campbell (Connie), Eddie Campbell (Patty), and Margaret Wood (Daniel); his mother-in-law, Nancy Tisdale; his father-in-law, Sam Hamilton; his brothers-in-law, Eric Hamilton (Nicole), Eddie Hyden (Jan), and Kenny Hyden Sr. (Beverly); numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Brandon McClung officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends at Harrison Funeral Home from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 20, 2022.

The family would like to thank Augusta Health Cancer Center, Dr. Rob Marsh and Carol Showalter for their excellent care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Castle Christian School, P.O. Box 41, Fairfield, VA 24435, the South River District Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 203, Fairfield, VA 24435, or the Virginia State Police Association, Emergency Relief Fund, 6944 Forest Hill Ave., Richmond, VA 23225.

Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, Va.