Billy Franklin Campbell

Billy “Buddy” Franklin Campbell, age 88, of King, NC, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. Born in Montebello, Virginia, he was the beloved middle son of John Franklin and Nellie Bartley Campbell.

Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Sheila Crawford Campbell; his infant daughter; his parents; his sister Joyce Bryant; his older brother Erskin Campbell; his second wife, Joyce Campbell; and his younger brother, Tex Campbell.

Bill had always been a hard worker. Even as a young boy, he would work in the hayfields and apple orchards, being excused from school during harvest season. Bill loved to garden, and it’s said he “could grow rocks”. He believed gardening was a way to connect with the Lord and all He created.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1961. He had great love for our country and counted it an honor to serve.
 

He then began a long and dedicated career with Rowe Furniture. He started out “spitting tacks,” which in layman's terms is an upholsterer. Over the next 40 years, he worked his way all the way up to Vice President of Operations. Everyone who worked with Bill loved him and knew he had their best interests in mind. After leaving there, he enjoyed a few jobs as a consultant. After his retirement, he became a father again.

A man of deep faith, Bill was a longtime member of Colonial Baptist Church in VA and, more recently, First Assembly of God in Winston-Salem, NC. He served as a Deacon and Bible study leader, nurturing the spiritual growth of countless individuals. He also served in the nursery. Known as the “baby whisperer”, he could calm the most fretful baby or toddler. He truly reflected the Father’s love to all he met.


Bill is survived by his beloved and only son, Erick Campbell (Krystal Campbell), his grandson, Gavin Campbell, and his two miraculous daughters, Micaela Campbell and Maggie Campbell. He is also survived by his third wife, Kerri Driscoll Campbell who was honored to be with him as he transitioned to his heavenly home; mother- in- law Karen Driscoll; sister in laws Kristen Williams (Thomas), Sandy Armstrong; Nieces Karen Campbell Amato, Valeria Galop, Vonda Broom, Kaitlin Wishall, Nicole Johnson, Kelsie Driscoll; nephews Ronnie Bryant, Freddie Bryant, Kevin Driscoll; numerous great nieces and great nephews, and special friends the Penner family.

Those who knew Bill remember a man who always made people feel welcome. He loved to cut up and tease people. We will fondly remember his sage advice, “it is what it is”. Some were fortunate enough to eat his famous homemade chicken and dumplings and “cathead” biscuits. We know no one can come close to his.

Bill was not only a faithful church going man, but he fully embodied God’s love and was a great example for us all. He was a consistent reader and believer of God’s word, whether at home or work. He was known to have a baby on one knee, the Bible on his lap, and a cup of coffee on the end table. Even in the later years when his vision made it difficult to read, he had a Bible app installed on his phone.

Although his final years presented difficult challenges, he was grateful for the comfort and care provided by Brookridge Nursing facility, especially his favorite nurse, Melissa.

Bill enjoyed the simple things in life. He enjoyed his annual trips to Nag’s Head beach with his brother, Tex. He liked bowling, camping, and hiking at Hanging Rock. He always spoiled his children. He could fix and make just about anything. And we can’t forget about baseball. He was a Braves fan through and through.

Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. He is surely in his heavenly home with his Lord and Savior. He would want you all to join him someday by accepting the gift of Salvation through Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Bill is now home, healed and rejoicing with God.

Visitation will begin at 3:00 pm, followed by a 4:00 p.m. Celebration of Life service on July 9, 2025, at Slate Funeral Home in King, NC. Reverend Nick Speas will officiate the service. Bill will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony on the property he so loved in King, NC. Reverend Kris Williams, his sister-in-law, will officiate his internment.

Slate Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Billy Franklin Campbell. Online condolences may be offered at www.slatefh.com

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