Robert Kenneth Campbell Sr.

Robert Kenneth Campbell Sr., 83, of Richmond, died on March 24, 2006. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Hardin Campbell and Era Atkins Campbell. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lois Gronlund Campbell; daughter, Deborah "Dodie" Campbell Ortland; and son, Robert Kenneth Campbell Jr.; his sister, Wanda Campbell Brinkley and her husband, James Brinkley; his brother, Garland Campbell and his wife, Marcella Campbell. He graduated from Manchester High School in 1941. In 1943, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served overseas during World War II. He returned home, enrolled in Richmond Professional Institute (now VCU) and, in 1949, received a bachelor of science degree. He was best known for his involvement in motorsports for almost 60 years, starting with the midget races at City Stadium then stock car racing with Nelson Royall at Royall (now Southside) Speedway. He originally was a partner with Paul Sawyer at the old Fairgrounds Raceway at Strawberry Hill, and later served as vice-president of public relations as the track grew from half-mile dirt to its current 3/4 mile paved configuration known as Richmond International Raceway. The media center at RIR was named The Kenneth Campbell Media Center at his retirement in 2001. He was among the pioneers of a sport that grew from a basic shade-tree operation to the billion dollar business it is today. He was most responsible for bringing the ABC Television Network to Richmond to tape a race segment for "Wide World of Sports". He worked for CBS Television at NASCAR races at Daytona Beach and Talladega. A member of NASCAR for more than 52 years, he drove the pace car at major events at most of the top NASCAR tracks. In addition to stock car racing, he promoted and traveled with many top entertainment stars, such as Lawrence Welk, Guy Lombardo, The Statler Brothers, Glenn Campbell, Jerry Reed and Lynn Anderson, up and down the East Coast. He also was a regional promoter for the Royal Lipizzan Stallions and Harlem Globetrotters, as well as Roller Derby. He was a member of the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau and served as president of the Chesterfield Kiwanis Club. For 20 years, he and his wife were antique dealers in Richmond. In keeping with his wishes, he will be cremated and the family will have a private burial. Memorial contributions in his name can be made to The Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adam's Way, Randleman, N.C. 27317. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 31, at 5 p.m. in the Kenneth Campbell Media Center at the Richmond International Raceway.