Walter Ray Campbell

Rarely does a truly good man come along; such was the case on October 11, 1925. Walter Ray "Chief" Campbell was born to Walter Wesley Campbell and Mae Smithwick Campbell near Blue Grove, Texas outside of Wichita Falls and entered into God's loving arms on June 29, 2005. The son of a rancher and Baptist preacher, Walter grew up in the depression. He was 10th of 13 children. Working on the ranch, attending Midway school and listening to his father's weekly if not daily sermons, he learned the lessons that would sustain him across France and Germany with Patton's Third Army and throughout a lifetime of business and personal successes.

Returning home after the war he soon decided that his future lay in the big city. On February 25, 1951, while working for American Airlines in Dallas, he married the love of his life, Joyce Bradley of Wichita Falls. They soon saw opportunity and moved to San Antonio where they founded Campbell's Delivery Service. The new business was soon followed by a family, Dennis Ray Campbell and John Curtis Campbell. Working with the youth at St. Stephen's Methodist Church, he started a square dance group. Being an excellent caller, he began the Bexar Squares Club. His many activities included golfing, fishing, hunting and travel. Along with his wife and family, he continued to be a vital part of CDS until his and Joyce's retirement in 1983. After his "retirement," Walter devoted much of his time to his first love, ranching. Owning ranches in Atascosa, Blanco and Zavala Counties, he was a respected member of Foundation Beefmaster Association and a founding member of Central Texas Beefmaster Breeders. That, along with a devotion to his family, filled his remaining years.

Never failing to offer a helping hand, sound advice, and a friendship second to none will make him sorely missed by all who loved and depended on him. Honor - Integrity - Steadfastness: we'll miss you, Chief.

He was a member of Coker United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, 6 brothers, and 2 sisters. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Bradley Campbell; 2 sons, Dennis Ray and wife Mollie, and John Curtis and wife Beth; 5 grandchildren, John Maxwell, Dennis Ray Jr., Walter Wilburn, Aaron Ray, and Laura Beth; 3 sisters and 1 brother; and numerous nieces and nephews.