Howard Ray Campbell

COLUMBIA Howard Ray Campbell, 89, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, January 9, 2022. To honor the life he lived and the legacy he left, the family will hold visitation at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel from 4 until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 and a funeral at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2022, with burial to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Howard was born on May 28, 1932, in Columbia, S.C., to John and Lorna Doone Green Campbell. He was one of ten children raised on Wheeler Hill and Bluff Road in Columbia. He married Evelyn Lindler on December 4, 1953 and enjoyed a 68 year marriage during which they raised two sons and started a successful HVAC business.

A graduate of Lower Richland High School, Howard was an accomplished athlete in football, basketball and baseball. Later in life, nothing pleased him more than hearing about his granddaughters’ athletic accomplishments, including playing tackle football. He was enamored with his girls and the three of them enjoyed playing together and picking on each other.

No one worked harder to provide for his family than Howard. Only a worldwide pandemic could force his retirement which finally came in 2020 at the age of 87. He loved his job, but more than that, he loved his customers. Once he was unable to do the physical parts of the job, he would ride along and supervise. Even the simplest calls could stretch into an hour or more as he visited and caught up with the friends he had made over the years through his work. His generosity was evident in the number of people he helped and the fairness with which he treated everyone.

Howard is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn Lindler Campbell; his sons, Robert Ray Campbell and Daniel Edward Campbell (Lori); his granddaughters, Reily James Campbell and Sami Elliott Campbell; his sister, Margaret Campbell Tuttle; and his sister-in-law, Louella Lindler Hinson. His life was also greatly enriched by the deep friendship he shared with several faithful, special friends: Vicki and Larry Reese, Lynn Bales, and Richard and Patricia Wall. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lorna Campbell; eight siblings, Frances Davis, Pauline George, Annie Ruth Tinsley, Bubba Campbell, Curtis Campbell, Tommy Campbell, Harvey Campbell and Fred Campbell; and his dear friend, Jimmy Bales.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the caregivers who provided assistance, companionship and comfort to Howard, Evelyn and the rest of the family during the last several months. Especially dear to Howard’s heart were Tonya Smith and Evelyn Dortch with whom he happily cooked many meals and shared many of his stories.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in honor of Howard Campbell to Pine Bluff Baptist Church, 1025 Pineview Drive, Columbia, SC 29209.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.