Norman Campbell

June 12, 1931 - December 15, 2016

Our beloved father, Norman Calvin Campbell, passed away December 15, 2016 at his home in Marietta. Son of Charles Albert Campbell and Tressie Rickerson Campbell, he was a lifelong resident of Atlanta.

A gifted and multi-talented athlete all his life, he began his career in sports as a child, caddying for the Officers at Fort McPherson Golf Course, and there he acquired a lasting passion for golf. As a teenager, he became a star of the Brown High School football and baseball teams, and was awarded a dual sport scholarship to Georgia Tech, where he played for legendary coach Bobby Dodd. When the United States entered the Korean War, he enlisted and served in the Army, and was honorably discharged in 1953.

Home from the war, he took a fateful trip to Daytona Beach with his buddies. On the way back, the young men stopped to help two young women stranded beside the highway with a flat tire. That act of kindness brought him the great love of his life, Polly Joyce Williams. Their marriage of 57 years, as described by Charles Campbell, Sr, was "one of the world's great love stories."

As a young husband, he steered the business that his father and brother had begun to a place of prominence as one of the Southeast's leading Painting and Decorating Contractors, completing projects in multiple states throughout the South. He became active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and excelled in their bowling league, bringing home many trophies during his career. As a young father, he raised his three girls with drive and discipline, and coached girls’ softball teams for many years and through many tournaments. His love of golf never abated, and he nourished business and personal friendships in Golf Clubs in both Atlanta and Florida through the years.

Predeceased by his wife in 2014, he never stopped missing her, and rarely a day went by that he didn't express his great longing to be reunited with her. He is survived by his three daughters and their spouses--Nanette and James Williamson, Connie and Ron Zessack, and Tracey and Paul Prinzbach. Though he never regretted having only daughters, he reveled in his six grandsons, and was ever-present in their lives with help and encouragement. His influence is lasting for them and their families--Kenneth and Kim Budd, Benjamin and Kelly Dew Budd, Zach Zessack, Nick Zessack, Kyle Prinzbach, and Cory Prinzbach, as well as his two step-granddaughters, Ashley Belvin and Kasey Williamson, whom he treasured. The next generation of two great-grandsons, William King and Miles Tabickman Budd will carry his love into the future. He was a giant in all our lives, and we mourn his loss while remembering his great love for us.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at H.M. Patterson & Sons Chapel (1157 Old Canton Rd. Marietta, GA) on Saturday January 14th at 11:00 am with a reception immediately after at Ansley at Settindown Creek (: 5500 Settindown Dr, Roswell, GA).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Charity of your choice.