Richard Mace Campbell
August 12, 1947 - April 13, 2026

Richard Mace Campbell, aged 78, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026 after a lengthy illness. Born on August 12, 1947 in Seguin, Texas, Rick was a lifelong sports fan who built a successful career at the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association).

After a childhood spent in Seguin, Texas and Magnolia, Arkansas, Rick was a well-regarded baseball and football player in his youth and played semi-pro baseball until an injury changed the trajectory of his life. Like his father before him, he headed to Texas A&M University and chose to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, ending up as a reporter and AP-award winning Sports Editor of the student newspaper, The Battalion. Following his time in College Station, Rick joined the Air Force and spent time in Vietnam and an extended stay at Shemya Air Force Base on Shemya Island in Alaska. The harsh winter conditions were a shock to the small town Texas boy.

Upon leaving the Air Force, Rick was able to put his journalism degree to good use by taking a job as the Sports Editor at the Greenville Herald Banner newspaper in Greenville, Texas. This would prove to be serendipitous, as a human interest story would lead to meeting and marrying the love of his life, Jamie Tarpley Campbell. The couple knew that they were meant for each other and wasted little time. Barely six months after meeting, they were wed on December 27, 1975. Rick received his Master's Degree in Journalism from East Texas State University (now known as East Texas A&M) and served as the school's Sports Information Director (SID). Soon enough their family grew, with Jeff arriving in June 1977 and Josh following in December 1978.

The next chapter of their lives led them to Huntsville, Texas with Rick taking a position as the SID for Sam Houston State University. This was a great opportunity for Rick but it came at a cost, the position required long hours and lots of travel. He enjoyed his time with his fellow Bearkats but the load took its toll on him and he sought out an opportunity that might bring more stability and structure to his life and his family. He found it in the NCAA but it meant leaving his family and friends behind in a move to the midwest.

Kansas, known as the breadbasket of America, was by all accounts a swell place to raise your kids. Rick flourished here both personally and professionally and truly enjoyed his time in the plains. He found his rhythm and started to play golf and softball with his friends from work. He and Jamie traveled to conventions and sporting events across the country and in their own backyard. A lifelong Aggie and a devoted Dallas Cowboy fan, Rick began to appreciate the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs and he rooted for them sincerely. Once they moved to Indianapolis, following the NCAA relocation, they cheered for the Indianapolis Colts. Rick was loyal to his Aggies and Cowboys but had room in his heart for the local teams.

Rick finally retired and, ultimately, the siren call of Texas, and the need and desire to be near their recently married son and their only grandchild, brought them home to Greenville. Once they crossed that border and found themselves in the land of Whataburger and Big Red they felt a bit of peace. Rick was a man of few words but a deep wellspring of emotion who freely expressed his feelings as he grew older. He was a strong role model for his children, a good friend to those who were fortunate to know him and loved his dear Jamie until the end of his days.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, William R. ''Dick'' and Colleen Mace Campbell, his brother, Michael ''Mike'' Campbell and his beloved pets: Einstein, Roxie & Duffy.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jamie Tarpley Campbell, his sons Jeff Campbell (Leanne) and Josh Campbell (Amber), his grandson, London Jensen, his brother Scott Campbell (Jodi), his nieces Marnie Campbell Watson (Matt) and Messina Campbell Kurst (Paul), and his nephew Steven Campbell (Natalie). He also joined an extended family by marriage with a plethora of siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins that welcomed him warmly into their gatherings and traditions.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Lexington Medical Lodge and Centric Hospice for their loving care.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Coker-Matthews Funeral Home in Greenville, TX. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

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