Roy R. Campbell, Jr.

Roy R. Campbell, Jr. died peacefully August 24, 2009, after a brief hospitalization. Born April 30, 1925, in Temple, Texas, he was a fourth generation Texan of a pioneer Texas family and a life-long resident San Antonio. Campbell graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and The University of Texas at Austin. He was in the Naval ROTC program at UT, as well as a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He served his country as a naval officer during World War II in the Pacific Theater. In 1952, Roy met and married Marie Szilagyi, the love of his life, and for the next 57 years they were devoted to one another, raising their four children and later becoming doting grandparents to their grandchildren. Roy loved his family unconditionally, exhorting them to their full potential. Roy took over the management of Campbell Lumber Co. when his father died in 1952. He was a Christian businessman whose reputation for integrity and fair dealing was known far and wide. He was delighted to have his son Will join him in the business and succeed him as president in recent years. The firm celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008, and Roy was still actively involved at the office up until his hospitalization. Roy lived his life by example, always preferring his actions to speak louder than his words. He loved the Lord and was an active member of Laurel Heights United Methodist Church his entire life, serving in many leadership positions. He also served as a member and later chairman of the Board of Directors of Morningside Ministries, as well as a member and chairman of the Board of Trustees of Methodist Hospital. He was a member of the Business and Professional Men's Club, the Alamo Kiwanis Club, the Thursday Morning Emmaus Reunion Group and the first class of Stephen Ministers at Laurel Heights UMC. His other affiliations include memberships in The Texas Cavaliers, The Order of the Alamo, The San Antonio German Club, The Argyle and the San Antonio Country Club, which afforded him many hours of enjoyment on the golf course with both family and friends, as well as his morning water aerobics group of mostly women, where he was affectionately nicknamed "Thorny" among the "roses." He was preceded in death by his parents: Roy R. Campbell and Pearl Paul Campbell, his sisters, Lucille Thornquest and Anne Nesbitt, as well as by grandson John Charles Yerxa. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Marie, and by his children: Roy R. Campbell, III and wife Debbie; Elizabeth C. Yerxa and husband Charles; Nicholas Paul Campbell and wife Genny; and William C. Campbell and wife Stacy. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Abigail, Wilson, and Cyrus Yerxa; Paul and Luke Campbell; and Christian and Clay Campbell; in laws, Ziggy and Bobby Easton, as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and extended family. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be all of his grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Laurel Heights United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.