Sitting here in Mavis tires waiting on my car and picked up “Mobile Bay” to read and read the article on “Boaty” and after reading I immediately googled him and my heart sank to know he pasted away! He is now with his loved ones and we now  have this beautiful well written article of memories of him!! Big Hug to the family and friends he left behind that have out lived him! 

When one forevermore looks out onto Mobile Bay they will always say to themselves,  "I don't know what it is but something seems to be missing from all that I see here". 
 I will tell them now that that "something" that is missing from Mobile Bay is one man in his boat.  A man at home on the bay, more at home on water than on land. The vast waters and seascape of Mobile Bay will forever miss the company of one, Boaty Campbell.  A Bayview seems somewhat empty now to me. 

This picture is from Nov. 4th, 2014. Joanna called me the day before and said she was driving down from DC with Myra to visit because the cancer on Boaty's liver had come back, and asked if I would take over driving for her once they made it to Auburn. Both Boaty and Joanna were people that you wouldn't think twice to drop what you were doing and help so, of course I did.  As you can see in this picture from our boat ride to check the crab traps the next day, he was the kind of person who would help you, but also let you figure it out, if that is what you needed.  He always knew what you needed.  The only pictures I have of the night before when we arrived are of a rib and a can of coors light for the guy who doesn't eat things that swim. He had his opinions about things, but he was also happy to let you have your own, especially when it meant more crabs for him!

The night we got there, Boaty was waiting by the dock, and told us that everything was going to be O.K.  He explained how the oncologist had planned to only test him for the cancer's return every year instead of every six months, and he replied to the doctor "The hell you are!" and had him test anyway.  They caught it early, and he went on with his life.  If he was worried, he sure didn't show it.  You could see the fear and anxiety drain out of Joanna's face because of his confident attitude and demeanor. He had this stubbornness and clarity of focus, mixed with a huge heart, knowledge that we live in a bountiful world that has enough for all, and a desire to bring joy into people's lives. Boaty projected this into the world for others through sheer force of will and a deep sense of what was right.  He was one of the most capable people I have ever known, and inspired this in those he knew and loved, as evidenced in Joanna's work.

Sending all the love to Jolee, Myra, Ike, and all who knew him.  Boaty was one of a kind in the best kind of way, and will be terribly missed.

When I think of Boaty and Jolee I remember all of the fun times we had in the past.  My sister, Susan and her husband, Gary a firefighter on the department with Boaty would rent a house on dauphin island and Boaty and Joleen would come down with boiled crabs.  He would always give us a lesson in the best way to break them open and eat them. We always enjoyed their visits.  We had many memories together and great stories from those summers.  We are so sad to hear of his passing.  We had just read the article in mobile bay monthly on him.  Enjoyed it and laughed at the stories we had heard before.  Jolee we are so sorry for your loss he will be dearly missed.  May God help and bless you with the loss of your love.     Love,   Tommie and Cooney Roy.         Love to your family. 

I'm so sorry to hear this news. What an incredible character and generous, welcoming person. I feel so lucky to have known him for a just a little while. Thinking of his family and friends during this time. Much love to you all. 

Boaty my good friend rest peacefully  and pain free in Gods hands. Joleen my prayers are with you and your family at this time . Heaven has another good man.

Visitation

Mass of Christian Burial

Committal Service

Joanna

Mary Agnes Toenes Campbell

Archie Emanuel Campbell

Archie

Donna

Jolee

Alan (Stephanie)

Ike Blake

Eli and Myra

Albert and Armand

Kay, Mary and Ethel

also survived by many other nieces, nephews, family, and friends

Pine Crest Funeral Home