Theodore J. Campbell also known as “Ted” and those closest to him affectionately called him “Joe”. He was beloved “Uncle Joe” to so many nieces, and nephews who cared for him dearly, and whose sentiment he returned with great compassion.
Ted’s parents were Marion E. Campbell and Adelle Evans-Campbell after his mother’s passing Ted’s father re-married Alice know to the family as “Mother Alice”. Ted was born in Jackson, Mississippi, his family lived in Chicago, Illinois during his younger years, after which the family moved to home in Akron, Ohio. It should be noted that Ted served in the US Air Force with an honorable discharge.
Ted and his family made Akron, Ohio their home. This is where he completed his high school diploma and raised his children. Ted was the youngest surviving brother for many years and maintained a close relationship with each of his 6 older sisters until their passing.
Ted was an active member of First Apostolic Church which was his church home for many years. Over the years Ted drove the church bus, was a member of the church choir, men’s Sunday school group, and a proud, and respected member of The Soldiers of The Cross Brotherhood. As a member Ted and the other Soldiers of The Cross would go to different churches across the state and fellowship with other brotherhood members. Ted loved his church family dearly and enjoy visits from his church family until is passing.
Ted worked for Firestone Tire and Rubber company for 20 years, he then went on to work at Akron Metro Transit RTA as a Bus Operator until retirement. He enjoyed this position and assisted his niece with being hired as a bus operator as well. Ted shared many fond memories during his time at AMT.
Ted loved his children all of which lovingly called him “daddy” until his passing. Ted expressed great pain over the passing of two of his daughters. His children want you to know he was hard working, and compassionate towards everyone. His children feel grateful to have had as much time with their dad as they did.
After retirement Ted move into the White Pond Villa Senior apartment complex. During this time, he would volunteer at several of the complex community events preparing and passing out lunch meals. He also assisted other residents during ceramics classes. Ted Volunteered at the Akron Urban League Elegant evening for seniors every September. His volunteerism was so appreciated, and well known that he was honored at a luncheon with the “LeBron James Senior dad” award from the Lebron James family foundation which was noted with an article and picture in the Akron Beacon Journal along with a letter, and hat from the NBA basketball Star. Ted’s hobbies included attending the South Akron picnics in the neighborhood he grew up, playing pool in his apartment complex, ceramics, taking photos, and phone calls from family and friends.
Ted is proceeded in death by his parents, Marion and Adelle Campbell; as well as stepmother, Alice Campbell; brothers, Marion Campbell, and James Campbell; sisters, Mary Johnson, Rebbeca Robert, Jennie Tyler, Martha Bryant, Florance Davenport and Harvetta Hollis; two daughters, Carla Campbell, and Jeanette Amos-Wiggins.
Ted is survived by his children oldest to youngest: Thedore (Pam) Campbell Sr., Marion Campbell, Tonya Campbell, Sebastain (Monique) Campbell Sr., Joseph Campbell Sr. and Trina (Jason) Blackburn; Goddaughter, Nicole Moen; grandchildren, Lashawn Stepteau, Thedore Campbell Jr., Sebastain Campbell Jr., Toynetta Mcdonald, Camella Mitchell, Erica Wiggins, Jamal Wiggins, Sa’Von Campbell Joseph Campbell Jr., Ciera Campbell, Jalen Blackburn and Josiah Blackburn; a host of great-grandchildren; a special friend, Ivy Good; Former spouse, Lilly Campbell; a host of in-laws, and so many more who adopted him as family, and loved him dearly.