David Randall Campbell, 61, was surrounded by his family and friends, as he peacefully returned to his heavenly home on May 13, 2019 after a long illness. He was a faithful son who was devoted to taking care of his parents; a loving brother and uncle. Despite being challenged with a lifetime of medical struggles, David’s generous and giving spirit led him to not only to be devoted to the care for his parents throughout the difficult last few years of their lives, but also to enrich the lives of all his family and friends whenever and where ever possible.
David was born to the late Omer Roland and Julia Fay Wall Campbell in Gatesville, Texas on August 30, 1957. As a child David accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and through life's adventures and struggles he still relied on his faith. He graduated from Craigmont High School in Memphis, Tennessee and began working at Bud Davis Cadillac, receiving additional training through the GMC continuing education program. He has worked as an instrumentation and trim mechanic at Bud Davis Cadillac for 32 years, where he applied his passion for working on cars to a job he loved and was highly regarded by his coworkers for his skill and expertise. In addition to being a valued and admired technician, his friends at Bud Davis became his family and he cared deeply for all of them.
Over many years of tinkering and experimenting, David developed a love for radios and electronics. He started with CB radios and digital circuits, and quickly became a ham radio operator progressing to an Advanced Class license and continued to experiment with many advanced aspect of the technology as it evolved over the many years he was involved in radio related pursuits. He enjoyed the Delta Club, their meetings, ham trips, and Hamfests. He followed the International Space Station, and enjoyed working at the St. Jude Marathons. Over the years, David formed many close and deep friendships with his ham family both locally and literally throughout and above the world.
He enjoyed being an uncle to all his wonderful nieces and nephews and was loved and valued deeply by them. He was a member of Bartlett Baptist Church. He also loved gospel and praise music which he found soothing to his soul. He was a kind, generous, and lovely man who will forever remain in our hearts.
David is survived by his sister Carol Martin and husband Rory of Defuniak Springs, FL and three brothers Steve Campbell and wife Pam of Memphis, TN, Keith Campbell of San Martin, CA and Mike Campbell and wife Laura of Manassas, VA. Nieces and Nephews include Charity Miller and husband Jake, Thomas Martin, Patrick Martin, William Martin, Daniel Campbell and wife Rachel, Amber Campbell, Lydia Nowell and husband Stephen, Ryan Campbell and wife Clare, Christina Campbell, Jonathan Campbell, Joey Campbell, Joshua Campbell, and Michael Campbell. Also two great nieces Grace Everly Campbell and Melanie Rose Nowell.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2019. The family will also receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday May 17, 2019. The funeral service will start at 3:00 p.m.
According to his wishes, David’s ashes will be taken to Texas this summer to have a memorial with his family to celebrate his life and homegoing. In David’s memories, his visits to his grandparent’s ranch in Texas were some of his happiest times. The location where his ashes will be placed is a creek next to small country church which David viewed as the most peaceful place on earth.
