Richard Rankin Campbell, Jr.

Richard (Rich) was born on September 17, 1954 in Tampa Florida. He grew up in South Tampa and graduated from Robinson High School in 1972. He was a proud member of the 1971 Robinson Knight Baseball State Championship winning team. Last year he was thrilled to be reunited with many members of that team as they celebrated the 50 year anniversary of that winning season. He was a fixture on the baseball field throughout his life as a player, parent, coach, umpire, and fan. He spent many years coaching his son’s Jason, Adam, and Jeremy and in recent years reveled in watching his grandson’s Mason and Carter play baseball.

Richard was a Christian and had accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He was member of the Sanctuary Church, Dover Shores Baptist Church and Manhattan Baptist Church. He spent years with his beloved wife Patty serving at Orlando Children’s Church and worshiping with his family and friends.

Rich loved his Tampa roots and always found his way back to his childhood home, just recently moving back to South Tampa. He worked at many legendary Tampa businesses including Belk Lindsey, Simms Oil Company, Mise en Place and the original Outback Steakhouse on Henderson Blvd. He was known for his larger than life personality and ability to make a friend out of anyone.

Richard was an avid sports fan and his passion for the Boston Red Sox, Florida State Seminoles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers cannot go unmentioned. He loved his trips to Tennessee to visit his beloved daughter Suzanne and the entire Geerholt family. He liked new adventures like Skydiving – which he did to celebrate his 50th birthday. Mostly he loved connecting with people. He was known for his infectious smile and laughter. He relished any opportunity to talk and engage wholeheartedly with family, friends, customers, co-workers and strangers alike.

Rich suffered losses in recent years losing his sister Margaret in 2004, son Jason in 2014 and Mother Irene in 2018. He loved them all so deeply and we take comfort knowing they are now reunited. He was a proud father and an especially proud “Grampy” and “Papa.” Rich was extremely close to his sister, Karen and his niece, Rachel and cherished the time spent with them especially in recent years. He was blessed with so many great friends throughout the years – Janet, Jackie, Tom, Rabbit, Pat, Chris, Sherlock, and so many more.

He was truly a compassionate and tender-hearted man and has left an indelible mark in the hearts, minds, and lives of so many. He will be missed.

He is survived by his wife Patty; children Suzanne (Jamie) Geerholt, Adam (Corinne) Smith, Jeremy (Ashley) Campbell; eleven beloved grandchildren whom he adored Austin Bryce, Noah (Emily), Abigail, Zachary, Hannah, Ethan, Tristan, Gage, Mason, Carter, and Millie; sister Karen Campbell; aunt Gloria White; cousin, Vincent Durso; niece Rachel Russell and nephew Josh (Angie) Chapin; grandnephews Ryan and Jacob Russell, Bryce Chapin and grandniece Bailey Chapin and his ever faithful, longtime companion – Oscar, his cat.

A visitation will be begin at 4:30pm followed by a funeral service at 5:30pm on Saturday, April 2nd at Blount and Curry Funeral home (605 S. MacDill Avenue Tampa, Florida 33609). On Sunday, April 3rd, 11am-1pm, we will have a celebration of life at one of his life long, all- time favorite places – Pinarama Bowling Lanes. Please join the family to celebrate Richard “SOG” style!