Harry James Campbell, 81, of Ashley, Illinois, passed away at 8:18 am April 26, 2021 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon. He was born June 21, 1939 to the late Leland Barney and Nellie Lucille (Richardson) Campbell. Harry married Ruth Ann (Cunningham) Campbell on October 31, 1981 in Bethalto, Illinois and she survives in Ashley.
In addition to his wife of thirty-nine years, Harry is survived by three daughters, Vicky McNealy of Hillsboro, Illinois, JoAnn Vetter of Roselle, Illinois, and Jaime (Alan) Newcomb of Ashley, Illinois; son he never had, Mike Vetter; nine grandchildren, Bobbie (Roger) Diveley, Ashley (Brad) O’Reilly, Christina McNealy, Sydney Vetter, Julian (Shane) Nafziger, Alexus Newcomb (fiancé, Jonathan Saylor), Tyler Newcomb, Aiden Newcomb and Laynie Ann Hardin; four great-grandchildren, Olive Faith Diveley, Mercy Rose Diveley, Tucker Brian O’Reilly, and Nina Newcomb; and brother, William Campbell.
In addition to his parents, Harry was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Bobby Brian McNealy; granddaughter, Mary Ruth McNealy; two sisters, Nellie Gunter and Ellen Branham Brooks; and stepsister, Mary Ruth Jankowski.
Harry worked as a custodian for the First Baptist Church in Bethalto, Illinois and was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, and collecting Indian relics. He was an expert “wheeler and dealer”. He loved to share his faith and will be remembered as a wonderful mentor. More than anything else, he loved his family and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He is loved and will be missed dearly.
A Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 28, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Gateway Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 6:00 pm at the church with Pastor Dustin Haile officiating. Cremation will follow the services. Memorials may be made in Harry’s honor to Gateway Church.
Please remember to observe social distancing at this time. Following the CDC and NFDA regulations, we encourage everyone to wear a mask. They will be made available, upon request.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.