George David Campbell

George David Campbell, “Dave,” as he was known, was born March 3, 1935, in Battle Creek, Michigan to George E. and Beatrice E. (Struble) Campbell. Dave went to be with our Lord on August 3, 2022. Raised in Olivet, Michigan, he attended Olivet High School and was an Eagle Scout when he was young and then enjoyed football in high school. Racing cars down Main Street in Olivet, Dave drove the local police crazy as a young man. After high school, Dave enlisted in the Navy for one tour of duty.
On June 12, 1954, Dave married the love of his life, Judith Ann Short. They were married 51 years and enjoyed time together and with their eight children and later many grandchildren before Judy passed on July 9, 2005. Dave worked for many years at A & C Carriers and retired from there. A member of the Bellevue Baptist Church in Bellevue, Michigan for many years, Dave enjoyed debating scripture versus beliefs and values with his pastor and anyone else who would listen. Some of his dearest friends were his church family. He was a former member of the Olivet Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons.
Activities Dave enjoyed included gardening with his kids, fishing on the Big Lakes, fishing on the creek by their home, mushroom hunting each spring, camping, as well as ice fishing in the winter and playing cards with family and friends. Back in his early fatherhood days he was affectionately called “Mellow” by his loving children.
Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Judy; his parents, George E. and Beatrice E. Campbell; his infant grandson, David Campbell Tuckey; brothers, Norman and Daniel Campbell; sister-in-law, Shirley Campbell; niece, Cammi Campbell; nephew, Rex Baum; and great-nephew, Corey Campbell. He is survived by his children, David “Zig” (Irene) Campbell, Timothy (Maggie) Campbell, George “Joe” Campbell, Sally (Randy) Fritz, Sonia (Jed) Thorndyke, Stephen Campbell, Gregory (Sue) Campbell and Michael Campbell; 22 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald Campbell, Brian (Sharon) Campbell, and Wilma Campbell; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, August 10 in Pray Gardens behind Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Don Francis officiating.
Friends are encouraged to support Dave’s family by sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Health and Rehabilitation Services or the Bellevue First Baptist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.