Ernest Campbell Jr., age 82, of Athens, AL departed his earthly home and went to rest in the arms of Jesus on July 26. Ernest was born on July 14, 1939 in Butler, AL to Ernest Sr. and Vinnie Campbell. He had a total of 3 siblings, 1 of which preceded him in death. The Campbell family established a home filled with love and kindness.
Ernest received his formal education from Choctaw County Training and was a proud graduate of the class of 1956. While attending Alabama A&M College, he met his lovely wife-to-be, Arteen. After graduating, the two love birds united in holy matrimony in 1961. They were happily married for 59 years. This union brought about two children, Juana and Ernie. It was important to Ernest to establish a legacy that lived beyond his time on earth. His family views it as a honor to live out the beautiful example he left.
Ernest was a great man who passionately loved his family. Alongside the love of his life, Arteen, they created a family built on love, faith, integrity, generosity, and respect. Mr. Campbell was one who possessed many talents, which included preaching, teaching, coaching, hunting, serving in the community, and so much more. For years, he served in God’s Kingdom by preaching dynamic sermons with practical points for the Lucas St. Church of Christ, Carriger Church of Christ, and Tanner Hill/North Athens Church of Christ. He also taught various Sunday school classes and led singing. Mr. Campbell sought God in all aspects of life, enjoyed foot-tapping Gospel music, and believed in an active example of Christianity.
Mr. Campbell taught school in Limestone County for 32 years as a science teacher and driver’s ed instructor. While being an educator, he coached basketball and volleyball while also being a bus driver. He always found moments to impact his students in meaningful and lasting ways.
Ernest always enjoyed hunting with some of his closest, lifelong friends. He found true happiness in hunting rabbits and deer. And he was quite famous for saying, “I’m going to see a man about a dog.”
Mr. Campbell devoted his time to the community by lending a helping hand to those in need and serving on various boards. Some of the boards he served on included the Athens City Schools Board of Education, Beautification Board, Zoning Board, Athens Limestone Hospital Board, Athens City Planning Commission, Athens Limestone Clean Community Commission, and the Sports Hall of Fame Board. He could be seen at any time visiting the sick, administering weddings and funerals, and actively participating in making the community a better place. For his community service, he received countless awards that line the walls of his study. To name a few: the Dr. C. Eric Lincoln Humanitarian Award and the Community Unsung Hero.
To know him was to love him and respect him. He was a light in this world, and we feel honored to have encountered and loved Ernest/Jr./ECJ/Daddy/Gramps/Mr. C/Coach/Camp. He will live on in each of us. Although we are sad, we are thankful for a patriarch who lived a beautiful life for 82 years.
Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Sr. and Vinnie, and his sister, Pat. He is survived by his devoted and selfless wife, Arteen; loyal and self-sacrificing children, Juana (Bryant), Ernie (Gretchen), and honorary daughter, niece, Robyn; 5 grandchildren, Taylor (Lamar), Chandler (Frank), Carmen, Hailey, and Kennedy; 2 honorary grandchildren (great nephew and great niece), Kyle and Rachel; 3 great-grandchildren, Carson, Gracyn, and Harper; 2 siblings, Addie Bernice and Willie; and many caring and devoted in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
