Born September 30, 1944 in Gilman to Ellis and Leona (Pence) Campbell, he married Velma Ruth Watson on July 5, 1968 in Delavan. She survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Greg (Kecia) Campbell of Richmond, Virginia, Keith Campbell and Jeremy Campbell, both of Green Valley; eleven grandchildren, Chelsey, Jordan, Kristin, Sonora, Trevor, Corinne, Kennedy, Bailey, Caralyn, Annalise and Griffin; one great-granddaughter, Asalynn Price; one sister, Sharon (Jerry) Hedrick of East Peoria and half-sister, Jane Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers and one sister.

He was a United States Navy veteran of the Vietnam War.

Jerry retired from Midwest Grain Products in Pekin, where he worked for more than 30 years.

His most important time in his life was spending time with his grandchildren. He also loved fishing on the Mackinaw River, woodworking and making knives with his son. Jerry enjoyed gardening, raising chickens, cooking & baking and watching old western movies.

A private memorial service will be held Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Judy Doyle will officiate. Military rites will be accorded by the United States Navy.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Black Horse Forge, 29 Utah Place, Suite 107, Fredericksburg, VA 22405.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com