John Ray Campbell

Mr. John Ray Campbell, 89, of Harmony, NC passed away on Tuesday January 20, 2026 at the VA Hospital in Salisbury, NC after a brief illness.

He was born on April 16, 1936 in Harmony, NC to the late John and Frankie Campbell.

He graduated from Harmony High School, class of 1954 and proudly served in the US Army between the Korean and Vietnam War while stationed at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL.

He was as long-time devoted member of Harmony Methodist Church where he served on several various church committees. In addition he was a 20 year member of Harmony Volunteer Fire Department, serving as both a volunteer and later as a board member. He also previously served as the Board Chairman for North Iredell Rescue Squad and later a board member for Zirrus.

Being a hard worker all of his life he held previous jobs with Nicholson Funeral Home, working for his brother as an auto mechanic and as a meat cutter for Watts Grocery. He would later retire from the Harmony Galaxy where he was well known and loved by his many customers.

Most notably John Ray served as the Harmony Town Mayor for 25 years where he was instrumental in numerous accomplishments and upgrades for the town, such as the building of the town sidewalks, the installation of the town sewer system, Harmony Town Hall, (aptly named Campbell Hall in his honor) and the Harmony Public Library. He also served in many civic capacities at this time including American Legion Post 113. After his tenure as Mayor he served on the Board of Alderman for 3 years and officially retired from public service in 2019.

John Ray was a true and faithful servant to his country, his community and most of all his family.

In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by three brothers, Herman, Clyde and Glen Campbell and two sisters Dot Bray and Mariana Miller.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years, Carolyn Wooten Campbell, whom he married on September 4, 1964, his son Steve (Angie) Wooten, grandsons Max (Shannon), Luke (Jayne) and Caleb (Sherry) Wooten and seven great-grandchildren Mallory, Jackson, Keegan, Connor, Katelyn, Bennett and Waylon Wooten.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday January 23, 2026 at Harmony Methodist Church with Pastor Chris Lakey officiating. Burial will follow in Harmony Cemetery. Pallbearers include Max, Luke, Caleb and Jackson Wooten, Mike Campbell and Michael Frye.

A visitation with the family will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the church fellowship hall and at other times at the residence.

Memorial donations may be made to Harmony Methodist Church Mission Fund.

Nicholson Funeral Home is proudly serving the Campbell family.

His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’