Raymond “Ray” Blackwell
November 1, 1997 – April 30, 2022
SERVICE: Saturday, May 7th at 2pm at the West Center Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to AFSP Nebraska (NE chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention), https://supporting.afsp.org.
To view a live broadcast of the Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on the home page.
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Ray was a kind young man with a big heart who lived hard and loved harder. He loved baseball, motorcycles, guns and fast cars (pewpews and vroom vrooms). He loved his dogs, from his first puppy love Franny (RIP) to Lola, Thor, Bear, Crazy Tiny Terrorist Ted, Chad and, of course, Bruce.
He loved his job as the alter ego Joe Dirt doing janitorial at 88 Tactical, but even better was his joy at being promoted to the sales floor. His latest venture at Omaha Concrete made him so proud to be part of creating a new company, working side by side with incredible friends. More than anything he loved to make people laugh. He was good at it. And he was a big fan of BIG HUGS! He had so many friends that he loved fiercely and that loved him right back.
Ray’s short life was filled with the pain and struggle that comes with mental illness. Ray was so strong and brave and he had the tireless support of family and friends, but ultimately the disease prevailed. As his cousin Dane put so well, “He was incredibly brave to have lived as long as he did.”
Ray was preceded in death by his father Terence Blackwell, his sister Elizabeth Blackwell and his grandfather Dennis Andersen.
Ray was survived by his mother Amy Andersen Blackwell, his grandmother Linda Matson Andersen, his uncle Eric (Danica) Andersen, his cousins Dane and Kaia Andersen, his fiancé Lauren Williams and an absolute shit-ton of amazing friends.
17 Comments
Ray was a direct reflection of the ever present unconditional love force of his mom, Amy . Rest well, Ray.
I’m so sad about sweet Ray, He definitely had a sweet light about him when I knew him in his teens. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Unfortunately I’ll be working on May 7th, but I’ll be making a donation in his memory. Much love, Matthew Feerhusen
Ray was clearly an amazing soul. My thoughts & prayers are with his mother Amy & his extended family and friends during this time.
Ray was more than a friend he was a brother to me, after a 16 year friendship and years of being inseparable and growing up together he will surely be missed and he will always live in my heart.
I love you brother. I’ll never forget you. I know I won’t ever walk this path alone, now. Get some rest, big dog. We love you, forever and always. <3
Amy, sending you strength and love as you celebrate Ray’s life. You were an amazing duo.
What a perfect tribute to your beautiful boy, my dear Amy. I know that you have been an absolute rock for dear Ray for every minute of his life….he knew that he was loved. And your mom, and I know his fiancé and friends loved him fiercely! I agree with Dane…Ray was incredibly brave. Mental illness doesn’t always “ reason with”’ love. But now he is smiling & laughing, with other loved ones (both furry and bipedal) now, and can be your strength & guide when you need one. I will definitely watch the service on Saturday..Huge hugs and so much love. Please let me know if you need anything.
Ray you are my brother and I will love you all the rest of my days until I meet you dad and Liz in Heaven take care of eachother and watch over me …I couldn’t love you more Lil bro ♥️
Ray was one of the closest friends i ever had. He had so many beautiful views on life and how to live it to the fullest. His love was unconditional, and so strong. Ray was definitely my brother. We shared so many secrets, laughs, cries. Rays heart was too good, pure, and beautiful for this world. Until next time, fly high and rest easy brother. You will live in my heart forever
Amy, There aren’t enough words in the universe to wrap you in peace and comfort right now. I have not seen Ray in so many years so in my head he is still a little boy-as he will always be for you. I know that you loved him unconditionally & with a ferocious heart. I know you supported him in all things. I know that what you could do for him you did perfectly. I know that the rest is out of your hands and there lies the heartache of being a Mom. Ray was loved and treasured by so many people, as are you Amy. Lean on your people Amy. Lean heavily and unabashedly. You don’t have to be strong right now-we will all be strong for you. May the Grace and comfort of God surround you now and always. Love you Amy.
Amy, I am so incredibly sorry. I send you all the biggest of hugs…
With a broken heart I could not express enough just how sorry we are to here about Ray’s departure! He was n always will be my son Levi’s best friend n brother from another mother. Levi spoke highly of Raymond n was his partner n confidant. Whenever I saw Ray, he always had a smile on his face, always expressed such courtesy n respect. My family n I express our greatest sympathy n prayers to his mother Amy, all his family n friends, and…to my son Leviticus Ramos. My son, your brother/friend is in paradise walking the streets of cold. Rest assured you will see him again. ❤️🙏
I met Ray through Instagram and we both hit it off due to our mutual love for glass art. He was such an amazing and beautiful soul. Spent so many hours just chatting late night on video calls. His memory will live on forever.
Amy, I and my family are heartbroken to read the loss of your son, Ray. May your son have peace and comfort in Heaven. May God Bless You and your family with comfort during this very sad time in your lives.
Ray was one of the kindest, most genuine people you could ever hope to meet. I’m so saddened by his loss. He was loved by all at 88 Tactical when he worked for us. He’ll be missed dearly.
Any, I am sad to hear about Ray and sorry for your loss. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. May you find strength and solace in these difficult times.
Dear Amy,
I just found out about the tragic loss of your son Ray. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Linda. Soooo sorry. Just can’t imagine your grief. Marian Bogard . 🙏😢💕
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