Willie Campbell

Willie Campbell was born on January 1, 1944 in Detroit, MI to the union of Lem Rogers Campbell and Barbara Clark. “Jay” as he was known to family and friends was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Frank Campbell, Claude Echols, Jr. and three sisters Ethabell Johnson, Claudia Echols, and Janice Echols-Butler. Jay was the second eldest of 10 children.

Jay was raised in Sardis, Alabama attending the public school system graduating from Shiloh High School in 1962. Jay confessed Christ at an early age and attended New Bethel Baptist Church in Sardis.

Jay returned to Detroit after completing high school and obtained employment at the Ford Motor Company where he retired after 42 years of service. Jay also served in the United States Army as a member of the “Big Red Unit” during the Vietnam War, obtaining the rank of sergeant and was honorably discharged.

In 1970, Jay married Martha Wood, who proceeded him in death. To this union 2 children, Willie Campbell Jr. and Gennetta Campbell were born. Jay would later meet Sandra Jackson, who preceded him in death, and to this union two children Rosandra Campbell and Roshawn Campbell were born. In 2009, Jay married Regina Thomas who devotedly stood by his side with unconditional love.

Jay was always the life of the party and center of attention. Jay enjoyed participating in family gatherings, school reunions, and road trips with his friends. Jay leaves to cherish his memory his wife Regina Campbell, six children Willie (Kimberly) Campbell. Jr., Gennetta Campbell, Rosandra Campbell, Roshawn Campbell, Robert Bell, and Ebony Thomas. Four grandchildren Roshawn Campbell, Jr., Christopher Campbell, Saniyah Campbell, and Edward Campbell. Four brothers Walter(Luzine)Campbell, Ronald(Carolyn)Echols, Donald (Annette)Echols, and Bernard Echols; two sisters Brenda Howard and Denise(Frank)Brown, mother-in-law Jessie Flowers, three special friends Frank Hardy, L. C. King, George Smith, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.