Charles G. Campbell
Obituary
Charles Gene Campbell was born January 1, 1941 to parents, Charlie Campbell and Louise Russ in Blytheville, Arkansas. He became the eldest of five siblings by Louise Russ and three siblings by Charlie Campbell. Charles came to be affectionately known as “Billie Jean” to his family and friends. He was educated in the Toledo School System and graduated from Macomber Vocational High School, majoring in Auto-Electricity. He worked for the city of Detroit’s Department of Transportation for 32 years as a diesel mechanic.
It was July of 1959 that Charles dedicated his life to Jehovah in water baptism. Five years later, Charles met Joyce Williams in Chatham, Ontario, while attending a district convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses. They would be united in marriage on November 13, 1965. Soon thereafter, Charles would be sent to prison along with 55 other brothers for their stance of neutrality during the Vietnam War. He was sentenced to 3 years but fortunately only served 22 months. Soon after his release, Charles and Joyce would focus on growing a family, having a son and daughter, Christopher and Candace. During the time that Charles was an active Witness, he served as an elder for 20 years. In later years even as his health deteriorated, he still upheld Jehovah’s view of the sacredness of blood and refused blood transfusions.
Charles had a great love for planes, trains, motorcycles, cars, fishing and playing pingpong; entering and winning many u-control airplane and ping-pong competitions in Michigan and surrounding states. He also had a love for people, helping many in the community with car repairs and financial assistance. One of his favorite past times was riding his bicycle and greeting all he met. Charles was known for cracking jokes and making people laugh.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 55 years, Joyce Campbell; son, Christopher Campbell; daughter, Candace Sellers (Gary); mother, Louise Hamilton; mother-in-law, Christine Williams; brothers, John Kyles; Tony Kyles (Rachel); Marcus Hamilton; Cotrell Hamilton; Mitchell Campbell (Theola); Charles Campbell III (Zora); sisters, Diane Smith; Patricia Campbell (deceased); brothers-in-law, Richard Williams (Alofa); Nathaniel Williams (Evola); sister-in-law, Chrysanthia Davis (Curtis); daughter-in-law, Rashawn Campbell; two granddaughters, Ameriss & Indigo Campbell; one grandson, Miles Campbell; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.