Samuel Joseph Campbell Jr., 79, of Daphne, Alabama, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025, just one day shy of his 80th birthday.
Born on August 22, 1945, in Haleyville, Alabama, Sam was a proud graduate of Haleyville High School, Class of 1964. He went on to attend the University of North Alabama, graduating in 1970. That same year, he began serving his country in the United States Navy as a personnel man, a role he held until 1972.
Following his military service, Sam dedicated his career to forestry. Over the years, he worked with the State of Alabama Forestry Commission, International Paper Company, Scott Paper Company, Kimberly-Clark, and Molpus Timberland Management, faithfully serving the profession until his retirement in 2011.
Sam was a lifelong Methodist and was a current member of Five Rivers Global Methodist Church in Spanish Fort, Alabama. He will be remembered as a man of integrity, quiet strength, and deep devotion to his family and church.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Aletta; his daughters, Sara (Chad) Moore of Oxford, Alabama, and Emily (Raymond) Grider of Saraland, Alabama; and his cherished grandchildren, Hannah and Connor Moore, and Meryl Grider. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel J. Campbell Sr. and Mary Virginia Campbell.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Winston Memorial Cemetery, 96 County Road 36, in Haleyville, Alabama. A memorial service will be held locally in the coming weeks.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Five Rivers Global Methodist Church, 30941 Mill Lane, Suite G-305, Spanish Fort, Alabama 36527, or to a charity of your choice.
He will be dearly missed and forever cherished by all who knew him.
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
I was privileged to work with Sam for many years with Scott Paper Company, Kimberly Clark and Molpus Timberlands. Sam was a joy to be around and I loved his dry humor. Heaven gained a good one. My thoughts and prayers are with Aletta and the family through this journey ahead. May God comfort you