Vernon Lee Campbell Sr. (76) was born in St. Marys on July 29, 1944, to the late Elder Raymond Campbell Sr. and Mother Janette Campbell. He peacefully departed his life on earth and entered into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Friday, June 18, 2021. Five siblings preceded him in death, Calvin L. Campbell, Michael E. Campbell, Raymond W. Campbell Jr., Lenora M. Campbell and Joe Ann Campbell.
Vernon was raised in a loving Christian home and at an early age, he accepted Christ as his personal savior and was baptized. He answered the call God placed on his life and became a credentialed minister in the Church of God. Most recently, he was affiliated with the National Church of God.
After graduating from Ralph Johnson Bunche High School, Woodbine, in 1962, he attended Tuskegee University in Alabama, where he majored in architecture and also joined the ROTC. While in college, he met his loving wife Dorothy. During his junior year of college, he was drafted into the United States Army. He completed military basic training and attended officer candidate school to become a commissioned officer. His next military journey led him to military intelligence school, then to flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama, for training in both fixed-wing and helicopter aircrafts.
While in the Army, Vernon rose through the ranks to the level of captain. He also completed one tour of duty in Vietnam. Vernon received several military honors during his military career: Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Expert Badge, Piston and Rifle Bar, Sharpshooter Badge and Piston Bar and the Army Aviator Badge.
As a civilian, Vernon was employed as an environmental program manager for the D.C. Army National Guard. He was presented a Certificate of Service by the Department of the Army and the Air Force for 10 years of federal service. He was also an avid home designer and enjoyed maintaining his lawn and designing architecture for homes.
Vernon reconnected with his high school and was a very active member and supporter of the Ralph J. Bunche/Camden County Training School Alumni Association and he was chosen as chaplain from 1999-2009. He then became assistant chaplain and remained in that position until his passing.
A kind and generous man who will be immensely missed by all who knew him. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Dorothy L. Campbell of 53 years and their two children, Vernon Jr. and Crystal Campbell, Maryland; his brother, Sammie Lee Campbell (Grace), Georgia; his sister, Janette C. Daniels (Robert), Texas; sister-in-law, Pastor Reather G. Campbell, Georgia; nieces, Felicia Lattimore (Arthur), Florida, Sandra Campbell, Texas, Michelle Jackson (Rayfield), Texas, and Brittany Campbell, Florida; nephews, Cecil Campbell (Paula), Delaware, Raymond Campbell lll (Roxanne), Florida, Reginald Daniels (Trina), Texas, Algernon Campbell and Ernest Kates Jr., Florida; his extended family, sisters-in-law, Carrol Madison, Bettie Madison, Wanda Madison Minor (Ray), Aslean Jones (Craig), Rochelle Williamson, all of Alabama; brothers-in-law, Eddie Madison (Mary), California, and Earl Madison (Sherryl), Alabama; many other grand-nieces, -nephews, wonderful cousins, friends and classmates to include special cousin Bishop Verdell Griffin Sr. (“Bubba”) who was like a brother.
Viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, July 2, with funeral services beginning at 11 a.m. at Lee Chapel, 6633 Old Alexandria Ferry Road, Clinton, MD 20735. Military burial is scheduled for 11:15 a.m., Tuesday, July 6, at Chelterham Veterans Cemetery, Chelterham, Maryland.