Melvin "Mel" Ray Campbell

Melvin (Mel) Ray Campbell passed peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025. Mel is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Mary Ellen, his beloved children Jeff Campbell (Stephanie) and Jill Schwartz (Ed), his grandchildren Logan Wood and Brittanie Hewitt (Chris Purdy), and his great grandchildren Declan and Jackson Purdy. Additionally, he is survived by his brother Frank Campbell Sr. (Amy), and sister Gayle Oliver (Shep) and many loving nephews and nieces.

Mel is predeceased by Gertie and Dick Tanner (adoptive parents), Ken and Janet Campbell (brother and sister-in-law), Wayne Campbell (nephew), Frank Campbell Jr. (nephew), and Jesse & Hovis Campbell (parents).

Mel was born in Leaksville, North Carolina on July 6th, 1942. After high school, Mel moved to Rochester, New York where he worked for a furniture company and then ultimately Eastman Kodak Company for 30 years. Although not formally trained as an Engineer, Mel had the mind of one. His technical skills were second to none and he used those skills at home and during his successful career at Eastman Kodak.

Mel loved the game of golf, and he often shared stories of his outings with his best friend Breeze. He also loved the New York Yankees, Carolina Panthers, and the North Carolina State Wolfpack. In addition to sports, Mel loved gardening, wood covered bridges, cooking, woodworking, a cold beer, a glass of red wine, and a grilled steak. Mel and his wife Mary Ellen also enjoyed the company of many friends including lifelong friends Steve and Patti Titus along with Terry and Peggy Beach. Over the years, many weekends and holidays were spent together along with their children. Those times with their close friends were often discussed with laughter and fondness. Additionally, Mel’s love for his family in North Carolina often drew him to his home state where they would visit regularly. During his visits, he loved riding around with his brothers, showing his children where he grew up, getting a hotdog and hush puppies from Dick’s Drive-In, hearing his sister’s stories and staying with his mama, Gertie Tanner.

Those who were lucky to have met Mel use the following words to describe him: loving, caring, patient, dedicated, gentle, giving, teacher, intelligent and funny. To quote his nephew Paul Merican, “The world truly did lose a great man. He was the Dad everyone wished they had and I’m proud to say he was my uncle.” There has never been a truer statement. Everyone needs a Mel Campbell in their lives. If for no other reason to show the world how to treat and love each other. Mel was a beacon of light in today’s world. He was an angel sent by God himself. To quote a scene from the movie It’s A Wonderful Life, “every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.” On December 23rd, 2025, Mel Campbell received his wings.