Ronald L. Campbell

Ronald L. Campbell Sr, was born in Detroit Michigan June 8th 1938, his parents were Lorraine & George Campbell, he was their only child.
His family moved to East Detroit in the 1940's
He attended St Veronica's church and elementary school, Oakwood Junior High & East Detroit High School, he did not complete his senior year as he felt led to serve his country in 1955, joining the United States Navy, He joined the Navy with his buddies, and his lifelong friend Bob Robbe, they both graduated basic training in the winter of 1955 at Great Lakes Naval Training center, and became electricians,
Dad ship was on the USS Reaper (MSO 467)
After completing his duty, he returned to Michigan and was hired at Chevrolet Gear and Axle working on the brake line with and started a 66 year friendship with Tom Henson, Dad retired in 1991. He hired in as a brake builder, on to an EIT electrician, then spent the last 25 years of his career as supervisor, wrapping up his 32 year career with General Motors in 1991
In February 1960 he married the Love of his life Maryann Douglas, she stole his heart and kept it forever.
In September of that same year they welcomed their one and only son Ronald Campbell Jr. known for years as Ronnie or Ron Jr. They tried and tried to have more children, but it was not in the Lord's plans, over the next 15 years they lost 9 children (sigh)
When dad retired in 1991, it was to take care of his bride Maryann who was in the midst of fighting cancer since 1985, she departed and got her glory promotion on October 1995
With a broken heart, dad pressed on working at Blue Water Transportation & Macomb Township as a Bus Driver, finally retiring in 2012
But he stayed busy playing euchre with the local Eagles, VFW, and churches, he was also a very good cribbage player, even playing in a sanctioned cribbage league, playing euchre 3-4 times a week.
Dad was a patriot and a very proud veteran, if you saw dad in and around macomb he was wearing his Navy Veteran Hat, he would share stories of his time at sea and or his travels as a sailor in Japan.
His pride was his Son Ron Jr, his Grandchildren's Military service, plus his great grandchildrens military service, pictures filled his house.
As he was in his last week on earth, his direct quote to the fantastic Staff at Henry Ford St Johns was
" I'm 87.5, I have lived a full and great life, seen my son, grandchildren, even great grandchildren, I was married, rode motorcycles, traveled to Vegas and the Smokies, I have done it all, I am ready to go, I am done"
He is survived by his son Ron Jr & his bride Kathy Campbell
Grandchildren Stephanie & (Glen) Bates, Gary Campbell, Renee Waniolek & (Ken), Sheri & (Adrian)Angeles
Great Grandchildren Conner Bates & (Emily), Dakota & (Marissa Bates), Cayden Bates & (Emma)
The family would love to thank dear friends who stepped in and helped weekly, Bob & Sherri List, who brought meals, groceries and Loved my dad, keeping a close eye on him and cared for him with joy & excellence.
A very heartfelt thank you to Henry Ford St John's Detroit
Cardiac ICU, Fourth Floor North & Wendy A. & her hospice team superior care, Dad lacked for nothing
Much gratitude for Jowett Funeral Home, Terry Jowett & Cathy for coming alongside of us on our hardest days & providing peace, answers, solutions & sweet closure
We would like to take peace in knowing Dad's eternal home is Heaven
But that has been our biggest heartbreak & has filled this last weekend with tears. Why?
Dad's spiritual condition & destination is a mystery to us, we shared the Love of our Lord Jesus Christ with him, he would reply, son I'm glad you got religion and that it works for you.
As we gather his things he left behind, we hold out hope, as there are remnants of some sort of conversation and or faith journey, he left behind several Gospel CD's & some notes about a song from Rascal Flatts that made dad feel like God was talking to him from Heaven, he also listened weekly to Great is thy Faithfulness by Alan Jackson
We can only hope and pray, a Pastor once told me, you'll be surprised by who you see in heaven and who you don't see in heaven, as we close out this tribute to my dad.
May we share our heartfelt prayers & issue a charge
God is never late, God is never early, God is always right on time
Put your trust, your faith and your hope in the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Savior, and as your advocate, not a religion but a relationship, Jesus does save.
With Love from the family of Ronald L Campbell Sr.
Until We Meet Again.
Hebrews 11:6
Micah 6:8
Romans 1:16
Romans 8:1
Dad's final wishes were to be cremated & be placed at Great Lakes Cemetery where he will lay alongside his bride Maryann
That final service will be a private affair
Arrangements in care of Jowett Funeral Home-New Haven.