Raymond John Knuckey

Raymond John Knuckey, 86, of St. George, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. Raymond was born on June 17, 1939, in Butte, Montana to Ralph and Clara Knuckey. Ray attended school in Butte and later graduated from Butte High School. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. During his time in the military, Ray had the honor of serving as honor guard for President John F. Kennedy. After his military service returned to Butte and there, he worked at Mount Moriah Cemetery, and as a projectionist at the Fox Theater, and then at Skaggs Drug before beginning the career he truly loved with the Butte Water Company as a heavy equipment operator. Ray especially enjoyed working at the Basin Creek Reservoir where he spent many years before retiring. On November 9, 1965, Ray married Linda Lee Nelson, and from that union came two daughters, Sheri and Shelly, whom he loved dearly. He was a devoted father and will always be remembered by his daughters as the best father anyone could ask for. In 1983, Ray married the love of his life, Darlene, whom he lovingly referred to as “Rosie,” and together they blended their families and shared many happy years together. After retiring from the Butte Water Company, Ray and Darlene moved to St. George, Utah where they made their home and enjoyed their retirement years together. Ray was an active member and elder in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where his faith remained an important part of his life throughout the years. In his younger years, Ray especially enjoyed bird hunting with his beloved Chesapeake dogs and boating. He also loved snowmobiling, riding horses, motorcycles, and ATVs, camping, and shooting. Ray loved John Wayne, western movies and television shows, football, and was well known for his many memorable sayings. He treasured time spent outdoors and the memories made with family and friends along the way. Ray was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Knuckey, and his mother, Clara Knuckey. He is survived by his wife, Darlene; his sister, Cecilia Lubick; his daughters, Sheri (Todd) Sullivan, and Shelly Sullivan; grandchildren, Sharaya Sullivan, Shijia Sullivan, and Bridger Sullivan; great-grandson, Kayden Humphries; stepsons, Dwayne Heap and Darryl Heap; stepdaughter, Wendie Benson; step-grandchildren, Chase, Ashlie, Chelsy, Chet, Chessa, Stryder, and Madison; numerous step-great-grandchildren; nephews, Mark, Steve, and Lance Lubick; and many friends and loved ones who will miss him dearly. Ray will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his strong faith, his love of the outdoors and adventure, and the lasting impact he made on those who knew and loved him.