Bill Campbell
1953 - 2025
William “Bill” Bailey Campbell, 72, of Kernersville, passed away peacefully at home on August 9th surrounded by his loving family.
Bill grew up in West Jefferson, NC, and the mountains of North Carolina held a special place in his heart. He attended Mars Hill College, where he met his wife Ellen, before settling in Forsyth County where he served as a magistrate for 34 years and raised a family. He was known for his exceptional home brewed beers and meads, and for his love of folk rock and bluegrass music. He is remembered as a kind, good, caring, smart man with a gentle spirit.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the family of the kidney donor whose selfless gift gave him precious extra years of life.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Ellen Evans Campbell; three children, Graham Campbell (Julie), Emily Campbell Gauthreaux, and Rebecca “Becky” Campbell Fowler (Nathan); five cherished grandchildren, Ruth, Joseph, Campbell, William, and Paige; sister, Geri Campbell Parrott (Richard); nephew, Matthew Parrott (Christy), and niece, Elizabeth Parrott Byrd (Justin); cousin, Barbara Fuller (Curt) and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will receive friends and family to celebrate his memory at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Second Harvest Food Bank.
Deep in the hills of old Kentucky, once lived a man I used to know.
He got up every morning at the crack of dawn; Earnest was his name you know.
He was full of love and understanding, never had a nickel or a dime.
“Happiness is free” is what he said to me, Earnest was a friend of mine.
– Charlie Gearheart, “Words of Earnest”
Bill was a kind and caring gentleman. I was blessed to have worked with him for many years.
One thing I’ll always remember about Bill was his “plain speaking,” to borrow Harry Truman’s biography title. You never had to guess what he thought about something or where you stood with him. He was someone genuine in a world where all too many people put up false fronts. We all could use more people like him in our lives. Fair winds and following seas, dear friend.