Sonny Campbell

Marion Sanders “Sonny” Campbell, Jr. was born June 16, 1933 in Rock Hill, South Carolina to parents Marion Sanders Campbell, Sr. and Pansy Mae (Giles) Campbell.

I am so honored to tell you about my Dad! He was born and raised in Rock Hill, South Carolina.  His occupation was area sales and engineering manager for Motorola.

Dad was a patriotic man and served in the U.S. Army National Guard for 10 years (1949-59), achieving the rank of Master Sergeant Paratrooper. Sonny loved the army. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, and past president of the Sons of the American Revolution in 2002; he was also a Shriner.

Sonny was extremely intelligent. His education was through various courses at Florida Tech., Harvard, Clemson University, and the American Radio Relay League.

One of his fondest memories was being elected Fellow of the Radio Club of America for his contributions to the telephone and radio industry. He considered that one of his proudest accomplishments.

Sonny’s hobbies included woodcarving, ham radio, and photography. His projects were so intricate! I will always remember him sitting in his workshop working away whittling.

He also enjoyed music, his trumpet, searching antique stores for the latest find, and his telephone collection.

As a father, he was very even-tempered, a great listener, and a wise advisor. He cared about our family in every way! We admired and loved him for the wonderful example that he set for all of us – the love of God, love of our country, and love for each other. His accomplishments were many and he showed us by example that if you put your mind to something and work hard, you can accomplish anything with God’s direction.  Faith was so important to him.

He said his only regret was not building a log cabin in the mountains somewhere.

Sonny’s message to his family was to “keep our family together.” I remember that song “We are Family!”

We’ll miss you Kemosabe!

Sonny is survived by his wife Jane Ellis Campbell; children Susan Buddin and her husband Ike, Jeannie Goerlitz and her husband Art, Eddie Campbell and his wife Robin and Christi Campbell; grandchildren Nathan Buddin, Jamie Lesher and her husband Lee, Ryan Lewis, Andy Lewis and his wife Christan, Connor Campbell and his wife Peyton, Rachel Trammell and her husband Sam and Matt Jurcik; twelve great grandchildren; brothers Tom Campbell and his wife Mary Margaret and Paul Campbell and his wife Ali.  Sonny was preceded in life by his wife of 55 years and the mother of his children Nancy Campbell, great granddaughter Abigail Marie Buddin and sister Zana Campbell Bomar.

The family will receive friends for visitation one hour prior to the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Allen Family Funeral Options; and the service will begin at noon with Rev. Dr. Larry Ashlock officiating.  If you wish to join the service via webcast, please visit http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/81757

A reception will follow the service.

Sonny will be laid to rest at Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas.

If desired, contributions may be made in Sonny’s name to Shriners Children’s Hospital; https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/