Jerry Arthur Campbell

Rev. Jerry Arthur Campbell

July 4, 1941 - April 23, 2026

Jerry Arthur Campbell, age 84, met his Savior face to face on Thursday evening, April 23, 2026. A "mighty man of God," Jerry spent 58 years faithfully preaching the message of salvation. Throughout his ministry, he pastored numerous churches, officiated countless weddings and funerals, and baptized many souls into the Kingdom. His time on earth was defined by tireless service; he was a constant presence in hospitals and homes, offering a steady hand and a servant's heart to anyone in need.

Born in Dalton, Georgia, on Independence Day in 1941, Jerry was the son of the late Lonnie and Pearl Campbell. He married his sweetheart, Phyllis, on Christmas Day in 1960. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work and hospitality. Jerry lived his faith through action-he would hold you when you cried, make you laugh when you needed it most, and always made sure you were fed. He was legendary for his homemade biscuits and gravy; no one ever left his table hungry. Jerry also held a special place in his heart for his nieces, Kay Harris and Debbie Holcomb, and his nephew, Jim Ledford, whom Jerry called every year on May 3rd to say, "Happy Birthday!"

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis; his grandson, Nicholas Ratcliff; his parents; his in-laws, Dennis and Glennie Caldwell; brothers, Kenneth, Lonnie, Jake, and Donnie Campbell; brothers-in-law, JR Ledford, Jack Caldwell, and Ben Hicks; sisters-in-law, June Hicks, Betty Campbell, Joyce Campbell, and Lena Campbell Ballew; and nephews and nieces, Michael Hicks, Bill Ledford, Alan Campbell, Shirley Sampson, and Linda Caldwell.

His legacy of love lives on through his children: Leisha (Gene) Smith, Brian (Sonya) Campbell, and Tammy (Clancy) Bryson; his grandchildren: Jason (Brittney) Smith, Anthony (Lisa) Smith, Madison Smith, Kristy (Justin) Draper, Steven (Kristina) Campbell, Drew (Sierra) Campbell, Casey (Krissy) Bryson, and Keari (Matt) McSpadden; and his 13 precious great-grandchildren: Arianna, Jaxon, Aiden, and Lydia Smith; Nathan, Austin, and Ally Draper; Savannah, Breanna, and Kristy Campbell; Zane McSpadden; and Kinna, Kamryn, and Casen Bryson. And last but most definitely not least is Jerry's special gift of joy Josie Emerson Mashburn.

He is survived by his brother, Bob Campbell; sisters, Jo Ledford and Carole Painter; brothers-in-law, Al Painter and Kenneth Caldwell; and sisters-in-law, Glenda Campbell, Sandra Campbell, and Doris "Aunt Tootsie" Caldwell, along with many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends and former congregants.

A celebration of Jerry's life will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at The Ridge Sanctuary of Companion Funeral Home (2412 Georgetown Rd, Cleveland, TN). Visitation will be from 1pm to 4pm, with the service to follow at 4pm.

Interment will follow at Union Baptist Church (Hughes Lake Rd, Cleveland, TN), where his body will be planted beside his wife, Phyllis, until Jesus steps out on a cloud and calls His children home. On that day, all of God's children will rise incorruptible to feast at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and, as Jerry would say, "It's on the table getting cold!"

The service will be preached by his son-in-law, Gene Smith. Gary Silvers will be speaking and singing, with additional songs performed by Christyn Ross and Jerry's son, Brian Campbell.

Serving as "gardeners" to carry Jerry to his rest are his grandchildren: Jason, Anthony, Madison, Kristy, Steven, Drew, Keari, and Casey. His thirteen great-grandchildren will serve as honorary gardeners.