Billy Joe Campbell, age 94, of Arab, Alabama passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
Mr. Campbell was born on March 26, 1928 in Nixon’s Chapel, Alabama to Louis Marion and Beulah Mae Campbell. He was the youngest of nine children. He married the love of his life, Virginia Johnson Campbell in 1947 and celebrated 60 years of marriage before her death in 2008.
Mr. Campbell was a veteran of the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Arab, the Arab Masonic Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Cahaba Temple Shriners.
He was an accomplished musician with the fiddle being his instrument of choice. He was one of seven brothers that all played and sang in a band known as The Rhythm Rangers. When not playing music, all seven brothers were drilling domestic water wells for the public. He later became the general manager of the Arab Water Works from 1965 until his retirement in 1997. He led the cause of expanding the water system from the Arab City Limits to the surrounding communities in four counties. Serving some 50,000 people was his greatest accomplishment.
Mr. Campbell was a loving and generous father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a friend to many never failing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Joseph Chase Campbell, two sisters and six brothers.
He is survived by sons David Campbell (Vicki), Michael Campbell (Sherry), daughter Joanne Campbell (Richard), nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and special caregiver Joyce Cook.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 24 at the Arab Memorial Cemetery, with Bro. Randy L. Blakely and Dr. Matthew Campbell, officiating, Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Clay Campbell, Dr. Matthew Campbell, Taylor Campbell, Alex Campbell, Ronald Campbell and Richard Campbell.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
