Thomas E. Campbell, 85, of Franklin passed away Jan. 9, 2026, at Sentara RMH in Harrisonburg, Virginia, with his loving family by his side.
Born in Owosso, Michigan, to the late Earl Andrew Campbell and Evelyn Mae Wiers Campbell on the Fourth of July 1940, he came into the world with fireworks. He joined his older sister, Barbara, who remembers him as such a sweet boy – forever recruiting her to play softball with the neighborhood kids.
Mr. Campbell worked at the local golf course in town and found his passion for golf that would last a lifetime.
After graduation and a year of college, he joined the Air Force to pursue his interest in aviation – another passion that would last a lifetime. The military shaped much of his life, and it was through it that he met his future wife, Jerri Lee. It didn’t take long before their family expanded to include four children.
Moving often for his career, he made many friends along the way. He became a part of every community he lived in – whether through his children’s activities, his work, or simply being a devoted husband. Somehow, he always found time for a good round of golf. And through it all, he left a mark on everyone he met.
He and his wife eventually made their way to West Virginia, a place they would call home for 30 wonderful years together. There, they found a warm and welcoming community that embraced them, and it became a favorite place for many of his grandchildren to visit. As a bonus, a beautiful golf course was built in Franklin where he made so many great friendships which were a source of comfort and companionship after losing his wife of 61 years.
In addition to his military missions as a pilot with the Air Force, he worked with the forestry service in Florida as a fire detection spotter and monitored and counted eagles and other endangered bird species. He and his wife co-owned a pet shop, The World of Pets, and he worked at Bowman’s Store.
He enjoyed gardening and designed his own gas-powered bicycle. After a cooperage tutelage with Tyson Propst, he traveled to juried art shows and festivals demonstrating his passion for crafting staved wooden containers.
As the years went on, he remained a steady presence in the lives of his family and friends. He faced life’s challenges with quiet strength.
His legacy is not only in the life he built with his family, but in the countless relationships he nurtured along the way. He showed that a life well-lived is measured not just by accomplishments, but by the love and care given to others. Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit lives on in the family he cherished, the friendships he cultivated, and the memories that will continue to bring smiles and comfort for generations to come.
His wife of 61 years, Jerri Lee Childers Campbell, preceded him in death.
Surviving are two daughters, Rebecca Dugan (Keith) of Hollywood, Maryland, and Regina Watson of Franklin; two sons, Thomas E. Campbell II (Gina) of Panama Beach, Florida, and John Mansfield Campbell (Kimberly) of Merritt Island, Florida, a sister, Barbara Arnold (Jonathan) of Athens, Georgia; nine grandchildren, Lauren Glass (Davis), Emily Campbell, Hannah Campbell, Brianna Nash (Zachary), Jessica Boyd (Gareth), Mary Laviolette (Caleb), Shane Dugan, John Campbell (Amanda), and Mackenzie Smith (Cody); and eight great-grandchildren, Juniper Glass, Connor and Madeleine Nash, Eden, Avner and Theodore Boyd, and Elijah and Azaria Campbell
He was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, George Thomas Watson.
A memorial service was held Wednesday at the Kimble Funeral Home in Franklin with Pastor Michael Loudermilk officiating.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.kimblefuneralhome.com.
