Billy Campbell

Billy Joe Campbell, 94, of Arab died Wednesday, March 22, 2023, peacefully at home.

Mr. Campbell was born March 26, 1928, in Nixon’s Chapel to Louis Marion and Beulah Mae Campbell. He was the youngest of nine children. He married the love of his life, Virginia Johnson Campbell, in 1947 and celebrated 60 years of marriage before her death in 2008.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Arab, the Arab Masonic Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite, and Cahaba Temple Shriners.

He was an accomplished musician –the fiddle being his instrument of choice. He was one of seven brothers that all played and sang in a band known as The Rhythm Rangers. When not playing music, all seven were drilling domestic water wells for the public. He later became the general manager of the Arab Water Works from 1965 until his retirement in 1997.

He led the cause of expanding the water system from the Arab City Limits to the surrounding communities in four counties. Serving some 50,000 people was his greatest accomplishment.

He was a loving and generous father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a friend to many never failing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

He is survived by sons: David Campbell (Vicki), Michael Campbell (Sherry); daughter: Joanne Campbell (Richard); nine grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and special caregiver: Joyce Cook.

He was preceded in death by a grandson: Joseph Chase Campbell; two sisters; and six brothers.

The graveside service was at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 24, 2023, at Arab Memorial Cemetery with Randy Blakely and Dr. Matthew Campbell officiating and Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel directing.

Pallbearers were Dr. Clay Campbell, Dr. Matthew Campbell, Taylor Campbell, Alex Campbell, Ronald Campbell and Richard Campbell.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.