Cecil O’Neal Campbell, age 80, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, November 3, 2016. A member of Woodward Avenue Baptist Church. Visitation will be held Sunday, November 06, 2016 at Colbert Memorial, Tuscumbia, AL, from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. with service to follow in the Chapel. Brother Tom Whatley officiating, burial to follow at Tri- Cities Memorial Gardens, Florence, AL.
Cecil was born and raised to be a good and caring man. He was the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Horace Campbell of Leighton, AL. Cecil is survived by his wife and best friend of 60 years, Barbara Ann Hayes Campbell. He leaves behind their greatest legacy three children, Cecil O’Neal Campbell II, “Chuck” (Charlotte), Donna Campbell Dupree, (Steve Wilson), Babs Campbell McAllister (Matt). Five grandchildren Chase Dupree (Wendi), Jacob Campbell, Nathan Davis, Wendie McAllister Miller (Alex), Wes McAllister (Kelly). Four great-grandchildren, Ayson Joe Dupree, Keelee Senf, Mackenzie and Macie McAllister, future great-granddaughter Lydia Faye Miller. Three brothers, Horace Campbell, Jr.(Theresa), Kenneth Campbell (Amy), and a very special and loving brother; whom often referred to Cecil as his other daddy, Venoy Campbell (Pam). A host of other family and friends he thought the world of. A special cousin and her husband Mary Ann Cline Borden. Cecil shared a extraordinary friendship with several of his Mule buddies, Jerry Gargis, Jason Smith, Mike McKenny and Mike Chaney and many others, along with the late Lettus Thompson, and Oliver Carroll.
Cecil was a proud member of the Colbert County 4 H Club, at the age of 14; he was chosen as one of six delegates to attend camp at Auburn University based on his exceptional projects and leadership skills he applied throughout his life. Cecil attended Florence State College and was an outstanding member of the track team.
He began his life time career in 1962 and graduated in the top five of his class as a Journeyman Wireman in 1966. Cecil often talked about how hard it was for him to prove himself worthy to become an electrician. He never gave up and he never, ever forgot those that believed in him. He leaves behind a legacy of electricians, his son Chuck, and grandson Chase Dupree, both of whom he was very proud of. Cecil made it a point to help others find a job to provide for their families. For he knew only too well the importance of taking care of one’s family.
Cecil retired from Reynolds Metals and Alloys Company as General Forman and Electrical Supervisor with 42 years of service. He held the utmost respect for his fellow workers. Cecil knew he could count on “their team” to get the job done safely and efficiently. Cecil understood the importance of all the craftsmen he was affiliated with. He was proud member of the IBEW 558, teamsters local 402, and Sheffield Masonic Lodge 503.
Cecil retired to take pleasure in his passion of buying, selling and trading Mammoth Mules with his father “Shorty” Campbell. Cecil and Barbara developed Steeplechase subdivision where they built their horse farm, rescuing and raising equines. Restoring Corvettes, riding motorcycles and four wheelers were among their other shared hobbies.
Cecil also enjoyed remodeling projects for Barbara. They were a beautiful and rare couple. Dad and Mom built their life from the ground up with more than sixty years of marriage. Cecil will be missed by all that knew and loved him. Cecil will especially be missed by his great grandson, Ayson Joe Dupree that referred to “Cecil” as being his best friend in “The Whole World”. Along with a special young man that Cecil treasured, Owen Goff.
On behalf of our family, we want to extend a special heartfelt thanks to the nurses and medical team at Helen Keller Hospital, the staff and Physicians at Northwest Alabama Cancer Center, (Dr. Patel, Dr. Daugherty& Dr. Haggler), Dr. Thompson and Dr. Ridgeway, all of whom provided the ultimate level of professionalism in health care services. We watched your tears and emotions combine with ours. While our family only does this once in a life a time, you do this every day. Thank You.
Pallbearers will be Chase Dupree, Jacob “Jake” Campbell, Nathan Davis, Chuck Campbell, Matt McAllister, Steve Wilson and Jerry Gargis, Honorary pallbearers, John Dupree, Craig Nix, Glen Murphree, Jason Smith, Johnny Grissom.
Colbert Memorial Chapel is assisting the family.
