OBITUARY: John L Campbell

John Leslie Campbell September 13, 1943 – February 28, 2025

John Leslie Campbell – beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend – passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025, at the age of 81. John was born in Nashville on September 13, 1943 to his loving parents Neil Leslie Campbell and Imogene Sweeney Campbell. His younger brother Ron would come along a little over 5 years later, completing their family.

John graduated from Madison High School in 1961, but was a lifelong learner. There was nothing he could not find a way to fix or build. He was an avid researcher of genealogy, tracing and recording his family tree back several generations. He was a brilliant woodworker, crafting everything from picture frames to furniture. Early in his career, John managed the Montague Shell Service Station in Madison, TN which fostered his love of mechanics.

John proudly served his country in the Tennessee Air National Guard, retiring after 34 and a half years as a Chief Master Sergeant. It was a career he dearly loved. He traveled the world and saw many beautiful places with the Guard, but never found anywhere he loved quite as much as home in Middle Tennessee.

John married Linda Kaye Parrish – the most beautiful woman he had ever seen – on May 8, 1965 after a five-month courtship. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary later this year. John and Linda were blessed with one daughter, Mary Alice, in 1974.

Mary Alice would go on to marry Phillip Duncan in 1998 and they would give John his four grandsons, whom he adored. Jack came along in 2004 and loved playing in the creek, hunting Bigfoot and shooting cans with his Papa. Leo, Jesse and Cam were adopted from Congo in 2016 and it was love at first sight at the Nashville International airport when they met their Papa for the first time.

Both Linda and Mary Alice were with John at home, holding his hands, as he ran into the arms of Jesus. John was a man of deep and abiding faith. He loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He often found closeness with the Lord walking in the woods, fishing and gardening. He and Linda attended Hendersonville First Baptist Church and were members of the Bracey Connect Group.

John is survived by his wife, Linda Parrish Campbell; his daughter Mary Alice (Phillip) Duncan; four grandsons Jack Duncan, Leo Duncan, Jesse Duncan and Campbell Duncan; his brother Ron (Joy) Campbell; niece Amy Campbell; nephew Charlie Campbell; as well as many other extended family members and friends. John leaves behind a legacy of family, love, kindness and generosity. He will be sorely missed by so many but will continue to live on in all who love him!