Mr. William David Campbell

Albany- William David "Grumpy" Campbell passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday (March 27, 2016) at the age of 69. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at 11:00 am at Porterfield United Methodist Church, with a visitation and reception to continue at the Shackelford House. A private graveside service is to follow. Reverend Leanne Raynor and Dr. Donald M. Kea are officiating the ceremony. The son of the late Virginia Watkins Campbell and William Robert Campbell, David was born at Phoebe Putney Hospital on March 29, 1946. Diagnosed with polio at the age of five, he overcame the disease at the age of 12 after receiving extensive care at Warm Springs hospital. After conquering polio, he became one of the "Merry Pranksters of Watkinsville" on Third Avenue. David rose to the occasion of playing high school baseball, distinguishing himself as a pitcher for the Albany High Indians under the tutelage of the great Paul Eames. After graduating from high school, he attended Mercer University. He was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. David graduated in 1968. It was at Mercer that David met Lynda Medley, whom he married in 1967. After graduation, David and Reed Jackson joined their father-in-law, Gaines Medley, in his restaurant supply business. David and Reed, along with Mr. Medley, shaped Medley Hotel and Restaurant Supply into one of the most successful food service companies in the country. David was a legend in the industry he worked in for 43 years and cherished his peers. He loved the food service industry, and was so proud of the company they built. Their client list included some of the greatest names in the restaurant industry—names such as Outback Steakhouse, Chic-Fill-a and Sea Island Resorts. After retirement in the food service business, David started his second career with his son, Stewart, and Bo Henry to purchase Merry Acres Inn and Shackelford House. There, he continued his passion to serve the community through hospitality. As an Albany community leader, David’s contributions to his hometown, its people, and various charitable organizations are monumental. These contributions include some of the following: Member of the General Electric Business Leadership Conference, President of the Georgia Restaurant Association/ Southeast Chapter; Chairman of the Advisory Committee—Georgia School Food Service Association 1977-1979; Vice Chairman of Board of Directors for the YMCA, Chairman of Deerfield Windsor School from 1984-1986 (initiated the creation of the Sustaining Fund at Deerfield Winder School); Board of Directors of Albany First Federal Savings and Loan 1985-1990; Hobart Dealer Council 1989-1993; SWGA Advisory Board—Nations Bank 1991; trustee of Mercer University 1992-1997; President of the College of Liberal Arts at Mercer University Alumni Association 1993; Board of Directors—Radium Springs Foundation 1994-1996; Chairman of Finance Committee for Mercer University 1997; Chairman of Pastor Parish Relations Committee—Porterfield Church (1998); Board of Directors for FEDA (Food Equipment Dealers Association), 1995-1999; Convention Chairman—FEDA Conference (1999); Executive Vice President of Strategic Foodservice Equipment Company; Board of Directors—AB&T National Bank (2010); Chairman of the Board of Directors—AB&T 2010-2015; Chairman of the Executive committee—AB&T (2010-2015); “Exhausted Rooster” of the Indoor Birdwatchers society; Principal with Oakland Partners; and Board Member of the Paula Dean Bag Lady Foundation (2015-2016). Along with his distinguished career and contributions, David was the recipient of numerous awards, including the following: The Meritorious Service Award from Mercer University; Top Performer on the Board—NationsBank (1998); American Cancer Society Hope Ball Recipient; and the Sertoma Club Man of the Year (2015). David was the warmest of souls and touched all that he came in contact. Always concerned about everyone except himself, David had a generous heart that was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was always sensitive to the plights of others and a cheerleader for the underdog. He was true to his principals and beliefs, a father and friend to all that knew him. David embodied all the great qualities of a family man, husband and friend. He delighted in surprising the love his life, Lynda, with gifts and trips. A true gentleman, his handshake was his word. He was a mentor to those who would listen and was loved by everyone (except those on the other side of a business deal but they still respected him). An energetic spirit that was contagious and motivating, dignified, yet humble, with unwavering integrity. These are just a few qualities that made him so special. David's favorite activities included work, business deals, more work, vintage cars, reading, music, grandchildren, and quail hunting with his brother Edgar, family and friends. For the past 50 years, he enjoyed going to the YMCA during his lunch break. Occasionally he would go on a vacation, only if that destination had great restaurants and fine hotels. Wednesday "Study Group" at the Manor House was always a great time. A member of Porterfield United Methodist Church, fellowship with his Alpha Sunday school class always gave him comfort. David was preceded in death by his mother Virginia Watkins Campbell and his father William Robert Campbell. He is survived by his wife, Lynda Medley Campbell of Albany; son Stewart David Campbell and his wife Fran of Albany; daughter Cynthia Campbell Adams and her husband James Dillard Adams Jr. of Cumming, GA; grandchildren William Finn Campbell, Charles Gaines Campbell, James Dillard Adams III, William Campbell Adams, David Grayson Adams; brother Robert Edgar Campbell and wife Judy of Albany; and multiple nieces and nephews. In Lieu of flowers, Please share donations with : Porterfield Memorial United Methodist Church 2200 Dawson Rd Albany, Ga 31707 Pancreatic Action Committee 1500 Rosecrans Ave, Ste 200 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 Willson Hospice House 320 Foundation Ave Albany, GA 31721

Mr. William David Campbell

March 29, 1946 - March 27, 2016