Dewey Lee Campbell

Our beloved Dewey Lee Campbell, 59, was called home on Nov. 19, 2025, while at home surrounded by family, after an extended illness. He was born Feb. 23, 1966, in Decatur, to the late Allen and Ann Campbell.

Dewey attended Georgia Cumberland Academy during his high school years and remained a faithful alumni (Class of 1984). He developed lifelong relationships from those years, not missing a single reunion. After graduation Dewey participated in the rodeo circuit (Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina) for several years, competing in steer wrestling, placing first several times.

Furthering his education he went on to seek a nursing degree. It was during this time he found his true life's passion. Unable to find a farrier he took it upon himself to learn to shoe his own horses. He realized this was his true calling, leading him to graduate from Oklahoma Farrier School and spend the next 38 years mastering his trade. He cared deeply about the overall health of horses and continued his education on hoof health, with a focus on complex hoof ailments, shoeing for all disciplines. He became well-known in the horse community for his expertise, integrity, sharp wit and compassion that often saw him become an extended family member to many of his clients. Dewey especially appreciated all the home cooked meals and tasty desserts from his horseshoeing family.

Dewey was an active member of Back Country Horsemen of North Georgia, certified in chainsaw and crosscut saw, he taught others while also helping to maintain and clear trails throughout the North Georgia National Forests. He was known to help the Forest Service from time to time in search and rescue efforts as well as using his pack horses and mules to bring supplies to remote areas where machines are not permitted. One such project being the removal and bringing in of new lumber for the roof of the Appalachian Trail Blood Mountain shelter.

Dewey traveled extensively with his family and friends, here in the states as well as to Canada, South Africa and Norway. Hiking 14'ers, stalking big game, camping in remote areas, he loved adventure and was always the first awake and the last to bed. A master outdoorsman and an avid hunter of game both large and small, he enjoyed time spent in the great outdoors with his family as well as good hunting and fishing buddies. He especially enjoyed a good joke or prank and was well-known by many for his ability to keep a straight face while telling you the tallest of tales.

A true samaritan at heart, Dewey would help anyone who needed it, regardless of whether he knew them well or not. He once told his family that one way to honor his legacy was to do something kind for someone that you didn't like.

He will live on in the lessons and legacy he leaves behind with us. As he once told his family while hiking in Zion National Park, "Do you see how beautiful this is? Can you imagine what Heaven looks like?"

If life was measured by quality and not quantity of years on earth, then Dewey has lived more than most of us ever will.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Portia Campbell and brother, W.C. Campbell.

Dewey is survived by his loving wife, Molly Ford-Campbell, Ellijay; stepchildren, Haley Ford (Nathan) and Austin Ford, of Canton; sister, Ruby Campbell, of Euharlee; brothers: Larry Campbell (Kathy) Oxford; Phil Campbell (Chris), of Euharlee; Ricky Campbell (Sandra), of Euharlee; niece, Amanda Mayfield (Joe); nephews: Shannon Campbell (Brandi), Adam Campbell (Kayla), Cliff Campbell, Chad Campbell (Megan), David Campbell and many great nieces and nephews and one great-great niece.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dewey's favorite organizations: Georgia Cumberland Academy Alumni or BCHNG.org

A celebration of his life will be held in January at his barn with further information to be announced.