Edward S Campbell Jr's Obituary
Campbell, Jr. Edward Slay, 80, died Sunday, October 26, 2014 at his home in Clearwater, FL.
He leaves his loving wife of 17 years, JoAnn (Taylor) Campbell; his son, Clay Campbell and his wife Lori; his granddaughters, Aubrey and Stephanie Campbell; and many dear friends and extended family.
He was born and raised in Miami, FL, the son of Edward S. Campbell, Sr., and Dorothy Chapman Campbell.
After graduating from Miami Jackson High school, Ed served honorably in the U.S. Army for three years in Germany, where he and his first wife Montez (Monie) Poston Campbell began their lives together. He attended the University of Florida (Go Gators!), and finished his bachelor's degree at the University of South Florida.
Ed’s early career began in Gainesville, FL, where he managed numerous building projects, including the construction of over 2,000 homes in twelve years. He and his family then moved to Boise, Idaho, where he had his own construction company. He was instrumental in developing building standards for the state of Idaho. A move to Alaska followed, where Ed developed and built homes for military and oil industry personnel. Ed moved back to Florida in 1983, when he was recruited by Sperry Electronics (now ATK) in Clearwater. He worked in plant management until he retired in 1994. After two years, he returned as a contract employee specializing in Space Planning for ten additional years.
Ed lost his wife Monie early in his retirement years. While attending a High School reunion in Pigeon Forge Tennessee, he became reacquainted with JoAnn Taylor Mills. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married in 1997.
Ed was active in Boy Scout Leadership in Gainesville and Idaho for twenty years. During that time, his son Clay became an eagle scout. Ed’s other interests included photography, FL Gators, Wood working, FL Gators, RV Travel, and finally, FL Gators.
Ed was quite the kidder, friend to many, with a generous and loving heart. In the words of his six year old neighbor Emily Boyd: “You are the best man I ever met”. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held from 5 – 7 PM on Friday and from 1 – 2 PM on Saturday at Moss Feaster Funeral Home, 693 S. Belcher Rd, Clearwater. Funeral Services will be held at 2 PM, Saturday at the funeral home. Private burial will be at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Suncoast Hospice, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33760. www.mossfeasterclearwater.com
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