Richard "Ricky" Campbell

Richard (Ricky) Campbell.

Ricky passed away peacefully Sept. 19, 2008 at his home in Palm Bay, Fla., with his family beside him.

Ricky was born Nov. 21, 1959. He grew up in Long Beach, MS, and graduated from Long Beach High School, where he played basketball and baseball.

He graduated from USM in 1984 with a BS degree in Recreational Therapy and counseling. He was the Recreational Therapist on staff when Sandhill CPC Hospital opened in Gulfport.

After six years there, he moved to Deveroux Children's Hospital in Melbourne, Fla., as a Recreational Therapist.

His love for hunting and fishing and happy personality prompted the state of Florida to send him to Atlanta to promote the opportunities Florida offered in Recreation.

When he came home he earned his captain's license and started a fishing guide business for tourists.

Ricky and a friend owned and operated Jefferies and Campbell Construction Co. Inc. At the time of his death he was president of the company.

Ricky was a Christian and of the Baptist Faith. He was preceded in death by his father Homer H. Campbell and a sister-in-law Patricia Ann Bailey.

His survivors include his wife, Betsy Gerrard Campbell; two sons, Justin and wife Tasigau Campbell, and Clinton Campbell; his mother, Florence Campbell of Long Beach; two grandsons, Robert and Christopher; a brother, Ronnie Bailey and wife Charlotte of Long Beach; a sister Deborah Crews and husband of Jacksonville, Fla.

A memorial was held in Melbourne, Fla., Sunday Sept. 21, 2008.

At a later date, services for family and friends in Mississippi will be held.

Donations in Richard's memory can be made to Vista Hospice, 4450 West Eau Gallie Boulevard #250, Melbourne, Fla. 32934 or to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 1294, Gulfport, MS 39502 1294.