Arthur, age 79, passed from this world to the next, Sunday, November 26, 2017, at his home in Vienna, WV. He was surrounded by the ones who he loved most and whom loved him; his wife, children, grandchildren, sister-in-law and loyal four-legged companion, Max.
Born March 17, 1938, in Penhook, VA, Arthur was the oldest of 4 children of Raymond Campbell and Virginia Ferguson Campbell. His childhood was spent side-by-side with his father working the fields of the family tobacco farm in Franklin County, VA. Family, friends and fast cars filled the days of his youth with joy and content.
Art’s professional career began with his employment with Sollitt Construction as an engineer for the construction of the dam at Smith Mountain Lake, VA. The consummate mechanic, fixer of all things broken and business man, Art’s career expanded a number of industries and states. Art in 1978 moved his family to Wood County, WV, where he remained throughout his life. In 1987 he and his wife, Judy, founded United Construction Company Inc. Under his leadership, and now the leadership of his son, Chris, UCCI thrived and employed generations of family members and thousands of grateful employees.
Arthur served his country proudly as a member of the United States Army. He was a man of great faith and a charter member of New Hope Baptist Church where he served as a Trustee, on the finance committee and church council. Art was an active and present member of the community with involvement in many organizations and serving numerous local and State Boards. Perhaps his most passionate cause was the happiness and well-being of children. During the Christmas Season, quietly and without fanfare, “Paps” would purchase the layaway debt from local shoppers whose list included any sort of children's toys, an act of kindness ensuring the joy of hundreds of children on Christmas morning.
Arthur is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Judith Bousman Campbell, his children, Christopher Campbell (Rita) of Vienna and Melanie Campbell Schlarb (Christopher) of Charleston; his grandchildren, Morgan Campbell Taylor (Charlie) of Vienna, Haley Schlarb Tallarico (Dominic) of Charleston, Alexander Schlarb (Alicia Phebus) of Huntington and Lakyn Campbell of Vienna; his great-granddaughter, Lilly Taylor whom always brightened up Paps day; his sisters, Carol Epperly, Cecil Ann Venable (Ken) and Odessa Poff (Carl); sister-in-law, Audrey Matherly; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
In addition to his parents, Art was preceded in death by his grandsons, Tyler and Cody Campbell.
His wish is for those left behind to do what is right and what is good. To be kind and help others. To spend time with your children, take time to fish with your loved ones and toast to enduring and lifelong friendships. His valiant fight with cancer is over and he is now walking the shore of the family farm at Smith Mountain Lake with Momma and Daddy or sitting with Cody looking at classic car magazines.
The family would like to thank Dr. Moussa Sissoko, Dr. Sean Groves, Dr. Edward Grey, the staff at the CAMC Cancer Center and the compassionate people of Housecalls Hospice.
A Funeral to Honor the Life of Arthur Campbell will be held Saturday, December 2, 1:00 pm, at New Hope Baptist Church, 1777 Rosemar Rd, Parkersburg, WV with Pastor Tom Stevens officiating. Family and friends may visit Friday, December 1, from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at New Hope Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, Art requests, “unless passing, get out of the left-hand lane,” and please make contributions to Housecalls Hospice, Hospice Promise Foundation, 37 12th Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101-4339, or New Hope Baptist Church – Secure the Future Fund, 1777 Rosemar Rd, Parkersburg, WV, 26105.
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