L. Ross Campbell Jr.'s Obituary
Levi Ross Campbell, Jr., age 89, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on August 29, 2025, in the early morning hours. He was born on May 8, 1936, in Humboldt, Tennessee, and grew up there before embarking on a life marked by faith, family, service, and dedication to his community.
Ross graduated from Columbia Military Academy in 1954, where he achieved the rank of Master Sergeant in the Infantry. While at CMA, he was awarded the distinguished honor of Eagle Scout in 1953. He went on to attend Vanderbilt University (1954–1958), where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. In 1958, Ross was commissioned as a Reserve Officer, Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, and continued his training at Fort Benning in 1959.
On July 16, 1966, Ross married Carolyn Boswell, sharing 59 years of marriage and raising their children in God’s Word. In March of 1971, Ross surrendered his life to Jesus Christ, a turning point that shaped the rest of his life.
Ross began his professional career at First Tennessee Bank before founding Campbell Construction Company in 1972, where he worked as a licensed contractor and active member of the National Association of Home Builders. He later continued his career at First Tennessee as Vice President of Trust Department.
A faithful member of First Evangelical Church since the early 1970s, Ross served the body of Christ with devotion. Over the years, he was a deacon, elder, Chairman of the Congregation, Chairman of the New Members Committee, member of the Mission Board, and a Sunday School teacher for 4th grade boys. He also gave his time and treasure to Christian education through his service on the Evangelical Christian School Board of Trustees. In retirement, Ross continued to minister through devotional teaching at nursing homes in the Memphis area.
Ross was a man of many interests—he enjoyed driving his 1930 Ford Model A, as well as camping, canoeing, carpentry, biking, and reading. More than anything, he loved the Lord Jesus and His Word.
Ross is survived by his wife, Carolyn Boswell Campbell; his son Levi Ross Campbell III and wife Sara Leigh, with grandchildren Mary Erin Cosby (Mason), Annika Leigh Scott (Jonathan), Charity Esther Williams (Chris), Eva Kathleen Campbell, and Benaiah Ross Campbell, along with great-grandchildren Sara Jean Cosby, Judah Aslan Scott, and a new great grandchild due this week; his daughter Kathleen Campbell Kizer and husband David Thomas, with grandchildren Caroline Kizer Murphy (Micah), David Thomas Kizer, and Campbell Ellen Kizer.
Ross’s legacy is one of love for the Lord, integrity, and service. His devotion to his Savior and his family will be remembered for generations.
Service Information
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 7, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 3:30 p.m. (both at First Evangelical Church, 735 Ridge Lake Blvd, Memphis, TN 38120).
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial gifts to support Ross’ granddaughter, who left this week for the overseas mission field. Contributions may be made through Reaching & Teaching International Ministries at: https://rtim.givevirtuous.org/donate/memorial-gift-for-levi-ross-campbell-jr.
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