Jerry Campbell, 68, fell asleep in our Lord Jesus Christ on Monday, June 24, 2013, at Uchee Pines Institute in Seale. Jerry was known as a cattleman, ladies man, military man and eventually God’s man. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Campbell; sons, David and Tyler Campbell; daughter, Ashley Clark; brother, James Campbell of Lawrenceburg, Tenn.; two sisters, Gladys Odell and Charles of Town Creek and Nell Schrader of Lawrenceburg, Tenn. He was preceded in death by Berry Lee Campbell, Billy Ray Campbell, Bobby Richards and Joe M. Campbell; and parents, John Henry Campbell and Ethel Bell Terrell Campbell.
Jerry served our country during the Vietnam War and later worked for the TVA where he retired to work his ranch fulltime. Jerry was the president of the Lawrence County Cattlemen’s Association three different terms. He and his wife, Kathy, owned and operated Triple J Ranch in Danville. Jerry was very active in educating the young and old in the local cattle community. He had a passion for the next generation of cattlemen. He and his wife worked in the local school with (FFA). He enjoyed handing down his experience to his two sons, David and Tyler Campbell and many others who were interested in learning. Jerry and Kathy were also active in the community through the local Lions Club and the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Outside of these official community organizations, Jerry would help anyone in need from being a local free veterinarian to helping others in the workshop or helping neighbors and strangers during natural disasters, troubles and trials. After visiting with Jerry, he was known for these closing comments “We appreciate Ya, and if ya need anything give us a Holler.”
He had a real love for his grandchildren, Lindsay, Anthony, McKaylyn, Kiya and Parker. Spending time with Grandpa was always a special time for him. Jerry was also very proud of his daughter, Ashley’s military service and her recent birth of another grandson whom he was looking forward to meeting soon. He loved to introduce you to the grandchildren and let them be the center of attention. Jerry’s leading lady was his wife, Kathy, who was always by his side working with him and later became his caregiver during the closing months. Jerry and Kathy became even closer during this time. People recognized that Jerry finally fell in true love during this time.
Jerry was not known for quoting the Bible, but had a belief in God. However, in his closing months, he experienced the “Amazing Grace” of God in a mighty way that he was determined to follow his Lord and Savior by way of baptism by immersion. He was looking forward to retiring again and going on mission trips to use his many talents for helping others in Jesus Christ. Jerry developed a desire to pray for people and would put scripture texts to memory. He experienced how God could keep him in perfect peace through his valley as his mind was focused on God because he trusted God (Isaiah 26:3). In the closing days of his life, Jerry looked forward to the fulfillment of (Revelation 21:4). Jerry’s parting comment would be “We appreciate ya, and give God a holler because ya need him.”
The funeral will be Saturday, June 29, 2013, at 3 p.m. at Lawrence Funeral Home (12950 Alabama 157, Moulton, AL (256) 974-0685). Graveside military service to follow. There will be a viewing from 1 to 3 p.m. prior to the service.
Pallbearers will be Jim Paige, Tearl King, Jeff Green, Charlie Brewer, Randy Kidd and Tyler Campbell.
