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Captain William (Bill) Madison Campbell died November 24 of complications following surgery. Bill was born in Granger, Texas on October 29, 1925. He was 85 years old.
Bill's career in the U.S. Navy spanned World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War for a total of 33 years of active service to his country. After leaving the Navy, he went on to forge a very successful second career as an aviation lawyer.
He worked at the family newspaper, The Frost Enterprise, at an early age but his Navy career began at the age of 17. After receiving his Navy Wings and commission as an officer, he was sent into combat in the Pacific. From 1946-1976 he served in numerous capacities as Naval Aviator in both aircraft and ship operations. He was a qualified pilot in jet fighters and bombers, helicopters, airships and transport/cargo aircraft. Captain Campbell assumed command of the USS Independence, a super carrier, during the Viet Nam War. As a senior officer, he conducted over 100 Courts Martials and Judge Advocate General Investigations concerning aircraft and ship incidents/accidents.
Before assuming command of the USS Independence, Captain Campbell was chosen as one of an elite cadre of 56 warriors to attempt a rescue of prisoners of war held by the North Vietnamese, a complicated and ambitious raid.
He also directed Naval recruiting activities for the entire United States (1969 – 1970) and was Operations Officer and Inspector General of the 8th Naval District (1971-1975).
Bill was awarded numerous medals including the Meritorious Service Commendation, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, American Campaign Medal, Victory Medal World War II, Navy Occupation Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
Bill attended numerous flight and service schools while in the Navy. He was a graduate of the University of Colorado (1960) and of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces through George Washington University in Washington D.C. (1967).
After retiring from the Navy, Bill attended South Texas College of Law in Houston where he earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence. While in law school, Bill met his wife Ana Maria Zamarripa, the love of his life. Both graduated together in 1983.
Upon graduation, Bill joined an elite team of experts investigating airplane crashes.
During this time, he continued to pursue his love of flying. He joined the Soaring Club of Houston in 1980 where he served in numerous capacities including senior chief instructor and board member.
His parents were Michael Campbell and Kathryn Fae (Hamilton) Campbell, both deceased.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife Ana Maria Zamarripa Campbell, The Woodlands, Texas; three sons Marc Frank Campbell, Austin, Texas; William Madison Campbell, Jr., Raleigh, North Carolina; and Anthony D. Campbell, Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is also survived by a brother Richard Campbell from Dallas, Texas; and a loving sister Nell Campbell Hassell from De Soto, Texas.
Visitation will be Sunday, November 28 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a Rosary following at 7:00 pm at Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral Home, Bastrop, Texas.
Funeral Mass will be Monday, November 29 at 10:00am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockne Texas with burial following at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 30, 2010
Tony Sortino
Anna,
Our prayers are with you in this difficult time. I cannot tell you what a joy and privilege it has been to have a friend like Bill for 28 years. Now he is with our Lord and we are left with cherished memories.
November 30, 2010
Ana, the whole office was very sad to recieve the news of Bill's passing. We will be thinking of and praying for you. Kim(Messer)Gilbert
November 29, 2010
John & Susan Bolin
Ana, we are sadden by your loss. We know how much Bill meant to you. Now he is with the angels. He was a very kind man. You will be in our prayers. You are a very dear friend and if you need us, just call.
November 29, 2010
Mark Jones
Ana, I am so very sad for your loss. Bill was a man bigger than life and much admired. Knowing you and Bill all these many years has been a pure blessing in my life. I will always keep my wonderful friends close to my heart and prayers and please know that I am always here for you. Mark E.Jones (Houston)
November 28, 2010
Gayle Fuller
Dearest Ana,
May the angels hold him close, and you even closer.
Love, Gayle
November 28, 2010
Alberta Curtin
Dear Ana,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. I wish we could be with you, but we know you will find comfort in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Love and prayers,
Alberta and Mike Curtin
November 28, 2010
Jacques De Paep
Meeting and getting to know Bill at the soaring club completed an important part of my education in life and living - I am grateful for the lessons, as I know many are, promise that I will remember them always and pass them on to the people who matter.
November 28, 2010
Frank Motycka
It was my privilege to have known Bill Campbell. I stood in awe of his accomplishments and admired his calm and confident demeanor. He was a great pilot and an even greater person.
Bill packed more into his life than many and truly had a life well-lived.
He will be missed.
November 28, 2010
Gloria Sr. & Gloria Jr. Riesgo
With love and sympathy we join you and your family in prayer, for Bill is now in the presence of Our Lord and Savior. Let us rejoice in the Lord and pray for strength. We love you Ana!
November 27, 2010
Mario Zamarripa
My dear sister Annie,
Please accept my deepest condolences for the falling asleep of your husband Bill.
I regret not having many opportunities to get better acquainted with a man so accomplished, dedicated and wholeheartedly given in service to our great country.
Respectfully,
Mario, Jeani and Michael
November 27, 2010
Al Stirling
It was a privelege to call Bill a friend and to fly with him. He will be missed.
November 27, 2010
LArry MUse
Hand Salute Warrior! RIP Sir~
November 26, 2010
Ana,
We have precious memories from a few years ago spending some time with you and Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your families, and your friends. God's grace, love, and peace be with you in the days and months ahead.
November 26, 2010
Jerry and Kay Bussjaeger
Ana,
We have precious memories from a few years ago spending some time with you and Bill. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your families, and your friends. God's grace, love, and peace be with you in the days and months ahead.
November 26, 2010
Ana,
I am saddened to hear about the death of your husband. Although I will not be able to attend the funeral, you are both in my prayers.
My condolences to you and your family.
Liliana Riahi
November 26, 2010
Guillermo & Alma Orozco
You will always live in our hearts and prayers. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Your Friends.
November 26, 2010
Bill Campbell
Blue skies and smooth sailing Dad.
November 26, 2010
lisa blake
Ana, Mark, Bill JR and Anthony,
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Bill Sr had such a ferocious love of life. His sense of humor, intelligence, and curiousity will be missed. I know he loved you all with all his heart.
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