MICHAEL EUGENE CAMPBELL

MICHAEL EUGENE
CAMPBELL, Sr., 70

LAKELAND - Michael Eugene Campbell, Sr. was born on September 25, 1944, in Richmond, Indiana, to Marvin and Doris Campbell. He died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on August 1, 2015. Michael, Sr. moved from Indiana to Lee County, Florida, in 1958.
Even as a young man, Michael was active in his church at Fort Myers First Assembly of God, where he met the love of his life, Helen Schulz. They married July 18, 1964.
Michael served his country in the Air Force from 1963-1967 as a communications specialist in Germany and later at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Upon his return to civilian life, Michael and his family moved to Muncie, Indiana, where Michael studied at Ball State University.
Michael and Helen were blessed with two sons, Michael, Jr. and Kenneth. Michael raised his family in Tampa, Florida, where he resided for 30 years before relocating to Lakeland 14 years ago. He enjoyed a successful career in HVAC sales for 42 years.
Michael was a strong man of faith who not only served as a deacon at Bethel Assembly of God in Tampa, FL, for 27 years, but was also always willing to fill any position of service needed. Throughout 30 years, he served his church as a leader of the youth group, Sunday School teacher and usher. His life was a testament to God. He was the personification of the adage, 'Actions speak louder than words,' as he was a man of few words but one who presented a strong Godly example to the world by the life he lived.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Helen Campbell; two sons, Michael, Jr. (Sherrie) of Braselton, GA, and Kenneth (Trena) of Canton, GA; 9 grandchildren, Sabrina Campbell, Nicholas Campbell, Hannah Campbell, Graham Camp-bell, Renee (Connor) Covington, Megan Campbell, Kayla Campbell, Jordan Campbell and Joshua Campbell; one great grandchild, Nora Rose Covington; his mother, Doris Campbell of Brooksville, FL; his sister, Barbara Everman of Richmond, Indiana; his brother Marvin Campbell (Betty) of Brooksville, FL.; many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
His family was the light that sparkled in his eye, and he was always happiest when he was with them. He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Campbell and a brother, James Campbell.
A celebration of Michael's life will be held Saturday, August 8, 2015, at Lakeland Funeral Home, 2125 Bartow Rd., Lakeland, FL, in the chapel. A visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. with a service at 11 a.m. Interment with Military honors to follow in the Lakeland Memorial Gardens.