Thomas William Campbell, 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 29, 2016 after an extended illness. Known by many as "Bill," by his wife as "T.W.", "Billy" by his brothers and sisters, "Daddy" by his children and his favorite name, "Granddaddy" by his many grandchildren. Born in Roanoke Virginia in 1933, he was the oldest of 5 children and made his way to North Carolina to attend Belmont Abbey College, where he met and married the love of his life, Kathryn "Kathie" Sigmon Campbell. He graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. With a growing family, Bill settled in Shelby in 1962 as an agent for Allstate Insurance and spent his entire professional career dedicated to providing service to his many clients. He was a constant presence at the Sears Building where he handed out Double Bubble Gum to youngsters and was always quick to offer a firm handshake. He took great pride in representing Allstate and meeting his clients' insurance needs.

Bill enjoyed a lifelong dedication to his Catholic Faith. From his boyhood in Catholic Schools and serving as an altar boy to his adult life spent as a loyal member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shelby, Bill's faith never wavered. His family well remembers beginning every car trip with a Hail Mary and his frequent praying of the Rosary. In his later years he was often heard repeating the Latin prayers he knew so well as a young boy.

Bill took great delight in many things through his life: raising tropical fish, listening to classical music, watching movies and compiling a collection of all his favorites; Golf--both playing and watching the great players; Trips with his siblings to watch horse racing; Camping in the mountains; Carolina Basketball; Visiting Ireland and seeing his family home place; and most of all trips to Disneyworld. He was truly a believer that Disneyworld is the happiest place on earth and his family enjoyed many trips which remain their fondest memories--including the 50th Anniversary celebration he and Kathie shared there surrounded by friends and family.

In his last years Bill's medical condition deprived him of his ability to travel and continue earlier pleasures; however he was able to bask in the constant care and attention of his wife, Kathie's nursing skills. She calls caring for her husband "The best nursing job I ever had." His last days were spent at home, in peace, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill is predeceased by his parents Janice Marguerite Sink and William Ambrose Campbell and his sister Marjorie Campbell Dunn.

He is survived by his wife Kathie, their five children: Melanie (and Todd) Stebbins of Madison WI; Craig Campbell of Shelby; Scott (and Eileen) Campbell of Huntersville, Mary (and Tony) Fowler of Hope Mills; and Douglas (and Erika) Campbell of Greensboro. Also surviving are grandchildren: Kate, Madeline and Harrison Stebbins of Madison WI; Eric, Amanda, and Chelsea Campbell of the Shelby area; Elizabeth, Ethan, and Sarah Campbell of Huntersville, Mitchel (and Kasey) Fowler of Hope Mills, and Marie Claire and Julian Campbell of Greensboro. Great-grandchildren are Lane and Cayden Stroupe, Mia Goins, and Grayson Weist, Charlotte and Jayce Campbell of the Shelby area. He is also survived by his siblings David Campbell (Asheville), Sister Janice Campbell (Bardstown KY), and Michael Campbell (Roanoke, VA), as well as devoted sisters and brothers in law, Shirley and Dwight Brooks, Brenda and John Garcia, and Lester and Priscilla Sigmon all of Conover; brother-in-law, James Dunn (Myrtle Beach, SC); and the nieces and nephews who have many fond memories of Uncle Bill.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Maria from Helping Hands and Cristal and Gaye from Hospice who showed our father such kindness and respect during his last months at home. Also a special thank you to his son Craig whose daily care for the last few years made it possible for Bill to remain in the family home he loved so much.

Family and friends will gather for a Memorial Rosary at 5:30pm on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel. The family will receive guests from 6pm until 8pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church at 11:00am on Friday, November 4, 2016 with burial to follow at Sunset Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St Mary's Catholic Church of Shelby, 818 McGowan Rd, Shelby, NC 28150 or Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Campbell.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com