William L. Campbell Jr., veteran, Super Fresh retiree

William L. Campbell Jr., 75, of Georgetown, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home, joining his Lord and Savior Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born in 1949 in Chicago, Cook County, Ill., son of the late William L. Campbell Sr. and Bernice (Baker) Campbell. He was a graduate of Milford High School Class of 1967 and completed one year of engineering at Capitol Institute of Technology in Washington, D.C. In February 1969, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy for four years, during the Vietnam Era, beginning at the U.S. Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill. He went on to Pensacola, Fla., completing Class A School, Flexscop School, and the Petty Officer Academy while spending two years in Puerto Rico, and ending his tour of duty in Winter Harbor, Maine, in 1972, earning the rank of petty officer 2nd class, E-5. He remained in the reserves for an additional two years, terminating his naval obligation Oct. 8, 1974, having returned to work full time for A&P, later Super Fresh, for a total of 46 years with the company before retiring in January 2011 as their dairy manager, shop steward, and safety captain.

Bill married his high school sweetheart, Patricia L. (Dawson) Campbell, Dec. 6, 1969, while he was in the Navy. Together they enjoyed many camping trips to Cherrystone, Disney trips, and many adventures via cruise to Hawaii, Greenland, Canada, New England, Bermuda, and many, many islands of the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Bill also enjoyed being a CHEER volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He loved hunting, fishing, and gardening, and was a member of the Bee Keeper’s Association and Collins Pond Association. Earlier in his life and while at home with his parents, he became an Eagle Scout and later as an adult served as scout master in Lincoln. He was a member of the VFW Post and a lifetime member of Milford Elks Lodge. He had an interest in aviation, flying a Piper Warrior while enjoying his student pilot certificate at Eagle Crest Airport in Milton. Bill very much enjoyed the challenge of fixing almost anything, and truly loved the outdoors and being busy. He lived life to the fullest and passed away due to complications of leukemia.

Bill attended Ellendale United Methodist Church, Lincoln United Methodist Church and MYF Group, Grace United Methodist Church in Georgetown, and currently, Crossroad Community Church in Georgetown wherein he enjoyed being a part of the Friendship Cell, the Garden Cell, volunteering for Halo, cleanup at the Ministry House, being a member of the Crossroad Cruisers and taking Crossroad Theology classes.

Bill also enjoyed many trips and rides on his Harley with friends of his youth both locally and out West, including the East Coast. He and Pat have been season ticket holders for University of Delaware football program for the past 22 years.

Bill is predeceased by his infant daughter, Nicole Lynn Campbell, born July 20, 1981, who died July 29, 1981; and brother, Calvin M. Campbell Sr. He is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Pat; their daughter, Beth Liane Collins and son-in-law Lee Collins; and two grandchildren, Gracelynn and Asher Collins. He is also survived by his uncle, Joseph Campbell of Carroll County, Ohio; and aunt, Helen Pase of Seaford; and many special nieces, nephews, extended family members, great friends, and great neighbors.

A Celebration of Life for Bill will be held with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 16, at Crossroad Community Church, 20684, State Forest Road, Georgetown, with funeral services beginning at 11 a.m.

Interment will follow at Milford Community Cemetery, 850 N. DuPont Blvd., Milford, with an honor guard ceremony.

Flowers are accepted. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Penn Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, 3535 Market St., Ste. 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104; Crossroad Community Church, 20684 State Forest Road, Georgetown, DE 19947; or a favorite animal shelter.

Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services in Georgetown.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.