Bruce Campbell

January 9, 2018

Bruce Campbell, 92, of Century, passed away on December 28, 2017 at Creekside Living in Pensacola. Bruce was born April 20, 1925 to Lee and Omar Campbell and lived on the same piece of property in Century for over 70 years.

Bruce’s love of the land surrounding him was evidenced his entire life. In early years he hauled sand and gravel, and by his mid-fifties he retired from trucking to then farm and raise cattle. He and his wife saved diligently to buy two farms for some farming and cattle pasture. His cattle were his babies, and he always pampered them. He loved fishing, having fish fries with family and friends, and just enjoying the outside. In his later years, you could often find him in his rocking chair on his front porch, just watching the traffic.

Bruce was a people person who never met a stranger. His first question to anyone was “Where are you from?” and if you were from the Florida Panhandle, you were instantly his friend. He was a “most popular” resident in his home, Creekside, the last 5 years of his life.

Bruce is survived by his only child Ronnie Campbell (Anne), of Tupelo, MS, 2 granddaughters, Karen Campbell Kassen (Joe) of Memphis, TN, and Kristi Campbell McNeely, (David), of Olive Branch, MS. Also surviving are great grandchildren, Hays and Wynn Kassen, and Campbell and Cooper McNeely, numerous nieces, nephews, a special great niece, Paula Hammond, who lovingly helped care for him in later years, and a close friend and farming buddy, Larry Bates, of Jay, FL.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Earlene Magaha Campbell. Being the youngest child of seven, Bruce outlived one brother, Rufus, and 5 sisters, Lizzie, Noreen, Myrtle, Lottie Mae, and Elmer. Then, after many years of being a widower, Bruce married Geraldine Killam. They enjoyed life together until her death in 2012, after which his health declined rapidly.

The family forever is indebted to Julie Bingham, hospice nurse, who blessed him and the family as his death was imminent. Also a special thanks to all his caregivers at Creekside, who became like family.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, December 30, 2017 at our chapel at 3:00 pm, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Officiating pastor will be Hospice Pastor Rickey Tedder, of Walnut Hill. Pall bearers will be David McNeely, Joe, Hays and Wynn Kassen, Billy Campbell, and Randal Hollingshead. Burial will follow in Concord Church Cemetery just south of Jay. Funeral services provided in cooperation with Family Funeral and Cremation.

Comments

2 Responses to “Bruce Campbell”

  1. Gwen on January 20th, 2018 8:51 pm

    Brucie Bruce as I affectionately called him everyday to see that big ole smile and get my good morning hug and smooch on the cheek will forever be in my heart. Anyone who knew him knows the smile I mean. He never wanted anyone to have a bad day. He asked me many times throughout his Creekside living “where you from?” and I would smile and say “I’m an Atmore baby” and then hugging him I whispered in his ear “no I can’t take you to Century today, but I sure would love to hear about your life there.” He’d smile so big. I will forever love him and be blessed that he was a part of my life. I am also blessed to have gotten to know his family and Mr. Larry. Rest now Brucie Bruce.

  2. Bob bush on January 12th, 2018 6:32 am

    Mr. Campbell was a all right and very nice man hard working man enjoyed the time spent with him feeding cows and bailing hay he will be missed. Thanks for your time.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Obituaries