Dean Russell Campbell's Obituary
Dean Russell Campbell, 76, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, passed away on December 10, 2023, after battling Alzheimer’s disease for the last several years. He is survived by his beloved wife Judy, as well as his son Rusty (Beth) Campbell and daughter Christy (Joe) Smith. He was a devoted Poppa to his grandchildren Barrett Campbell, Faith Smith, Nelson Smith, and Alex Smith, as well as his great grandchildren Peyton, Oliver, and Theo. Additionally, he is survived by his younger sister Eileen (Ken) Smith and his niece Amy (Chris) Nye and great nephews Ajay and Carter.
Dean was born on August 14, 1947, to Charles and Eunice Campbell. He was raised in New London, Ohio, where he attended New London High School, lettering in football, baseball, and basketball. After graduating from New London High School in 1965, he went on to play baseball at Marietta College, in Marietta, OH, graduating in 1969 with a degree in Economics.
For over 25 years, Dean served as a teacher, coach, and administrator in Christian schools in Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, and Alabama. His longest tenure of teaching was at the former Pioneer Christian Academy in Whites Creek, TN. His love of teaching along with the students and athletes he served was only rivaled by his passion for preaching and teaching the gospel as he also served as a bi-vocational pastor at churches in Springfield, West Nashville, and Madison, always making sure his lifelong passion for missions and mission work was front and center.
When he wasn’t preaching, teaching, or coaching, Dean could often be found on a softball field or basketball court either umpiring or refereeing.
Pallbearers will be: Rusty Campbell, Barrett Campbell, Joe Smith, Nelson Smith, Alex Smith, and Bob Seevers. Honorary pallbearers are all the student athletes and managers who were a part of Coach Campbell’s teams.
The family cordially invites relatives and friends to visit on Sunday, December 17th, 2023, from twelve o’clock noon until the time of the funeral service at three o’clock in the afternoon at Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road in Nashville. The graveside service will be held on Monday, December 18th at ten o’clock in the morning. Anyone who wishes to attend should meet at nine-thirty in the morning at the funeral home. Everyone will process together to the grave.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gideon’s International or Alive Hospice.
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