James Philip “Phil” Campbell, 76, of Blackshear, passed away Tuesday morning, October 27, 2026, at Satilla Bluffs Retirement Senior Care, following an extended illness.
Born November 17, 1949 in Waycross he was a son of the late Cecil and Doris Campbell. He spent most of his life in Ware and Pierce Counties and graduated from Ware County High School in 1967. He went on to enjoy a long career with CSX Transportation as an engineer, retiring in 2011.
His calling to serve others began early in life. While still in high school, he worked at Miles-Odum Funeral Home in Waycross, where he began developing the knowledge, skills and compassion that would shape his years of service to grieving families. Following graduation, he attended Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service and earned his Funeral Director’s license in 1972. Throughout his career, he served families through Miles-Odum Funeral Home, Darling Funeral Home, Dixon-Bowen-Taylor Funeral Home, Smith Funeral Home and Hart Funeral Home.
For Phil, funeral service was more than a profession; it was a responsibility he took to heart. He devoted his time, knowledge, and compassion to helping families through some of life’s most difficult moments. He believed in doing things the right way, paying attention to the details and making sure nothing was overlooked, ensuring that each family’s needs were met with thoughtfulness and respect. His work was a quiet but meaningful way of caring for people, and he approached that responsibility with the seriousness and personal commitment it deserved, and his years of service left a meaningful mark on the families and fellow funeral professionals with whom he worked.
He was a member of First Baptist Church in Blackshear, where he attended the MISFITS Sunday School class and served as both an usher and greeter. He had previously been a member of Laura Chapel Baptist Church, where he served as choir director and taught Sunday school.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, A.J. and Thelma Walker; a sister-in-law, Patricia Campbell and two brothers-in-law, Jackie Davis and Larry James.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Latrelle Walker Campbell, Blackshear; two brothers, Jerry Campbell and Curtis Campbell (wife Jill), both of Waycross; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Montez Davis, Mershon, Jerry Walker (wife Winona), Patterson, Frances James, Kingsland, Terry Walker (wife Dale), Blackshear and Elizabeth Swain, Kingsland; nieces and nephews, Debbie (Mack) Boatright, Janet (Tarver) Strickland, Wendy (Bryan) Sinclair, Jerrian (Jim) Waters, Sandy (Sam) Trowell, Thomas (Diane) Davis, John (Jennifer) Davis, Lori (Avera) Greene, David James, Stacie (Dane) Smith, Ja (Candi) Walker, Skip (Rachel) Swain, Alicia (Rickey) Waters, Katricia Campbell, Marissa (Steven) Thompson, Rebekah (Donald) Sharpe, Jeremy (Maghan) Campbell, Joshua (Alyssa) Campbell and Katilyn (Jeff) Nolan amd numerous great- nieces and great-nephews, cousins and other relatives.
Visitation will be from 2-3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, from the chapel of Hart Funeral Home.
A private burial will follow in the Laura Chapel Cemetery.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.
Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
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