Virginia Beach – Capt. Carl E. Campbell (Ret) passed away at home on December 17, 2022 after years of living with dementia. He was born in Sanford, NC on June 17, 1934 to Boyce and Beatrice Campbell. He was predeceased by his parents, his son Scott Eugene Campbell, and his sister Ann Campbell.
Gene will be forever missed by his loving wife of 24 years, Mary Ellen Owens Campbell, and his son, Robert (Rob) Vann Campbell; Mary Ellen’s son Tracy Thornton and his wife Chris and their children Caleb and Reese; Rob’s wife Sandra and their children Courtney and Connor; Scott’s widow Troye and their daughters Holly, Casey and Kylie; his step-daughter Beth Bullock and her husband Bill Bullock and their children Selden and Emily. Also, many beloved friends.
Gene was active in Nimmo United Methodist Church, where he was part of the United Men’s Group. After his education at the University of Florida, Gene joined the United States Navy and served his country for 30 years as a Navy Pilot, initially flying the RA-5C “Vigilante” including two terms of combat duty in Vietnam. He served around the world with the US Navy, including duty stations in California, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Bermuda, Virginia, and many others. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Gene was active in giving back to the Virginia Beach community, including serving as a Certified Master Gardner enhancing public grounds throughout the city, including The Francis Land House and the Virginia Marine Science Museum. Gene was a huge fan of the UNC Tarheels, where his son Scott had graduated, and would cheer them on in all their sports endeavors.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Nimmo United Methodist Church Monday, February 6, 2023, at 12:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nimmo United Methodist Church.
We are sorry to hear of Gene’s passing. We lived next to Gene and Mary Ellen for more than two decades, and treasured them as neighbors and friends. We spent many a pleasant hour talking, since Gene was a guy who knew something about everything! He will be missed and remembered.
We are so incredibly sorry to hear about your dads passing Rob. Prayers for all of you during this difficult time.
Rob and Sandra, I am so very sorry to hear of Rob’s dad’s passing. You will all be in my prayers. Love you guys.
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Capt. Carl Eugene Campbell, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Navy Veteran, Capt. Carl Eugene Campbell, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
I’m so saddened to hear the news of Gene’s passing. I have many fond childhood memories from visits with the Aldermans that include Gene, each of which always brings a smile to my face. My condolences to all who feel this terrible loss.
I will truly miss my buddy/friend Gene. My Tuesdays & Thursdays will be different and it will take getting used to without him. I was blessed to care for such a sweet honorable man and I thanked him for his service often. I will miss our conversations about family, church, birds and life. We have laughed, sang, I prayed over him and read Bible Verses to him. My heart breaks for his sweet loving wife Mary Ellen and I will truly miss seeing you each week our chats, seeing your neat crafts, tasting your delicious baking
There is no doubt that the Lord took Gene by the hand last night and said “Well Done Good and Faithful Servant” Welcome Praying for you Mary and family. God please give them peace.
Gene was a caring, thoughtful and Godly gentleman, who gave the best hugs. I will miss him and his presence as an integral member of our Sunday school class. Rest in peace good and faithful servant.