David Campbell

David Walter Campbell (“Dave”) of Birmingham, was called into the presence of his Savior on September 15, 2021. Those who love David are overwhelmed with joy through our sorrow, as we see glimpses of his Heavenly healing and reunion with his precious father and mother, David and Loraine Campbell, his nephew, Blake David Brown, and many dear friends. David leaves a legacy of love and is survived by his son, Jeremy O’Neil Campbell, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF (Nikki), his daughter, Candice Leah MacDonald (Corey), his grandchildren, Harper O’Neil and Mary Adelaide (Addie), his brother, Rev. Don Campbell (Debbie), sister, Christa Campbell Wood (Rish), nieces and nephews, Cliff Campbell (Tiffany), Kathryn Campbell Julian (Reese), Whitney Brown Kelley (Benjamin), Ty Biggs, Taryn Biggs-Fields (Dedrick), in-laws, Mike and Peggy Biggs, and the love of his life, Cheryl Biggs Campbell.

Born in San Diego, California on April 10, 1947, David was raised in the Fairfield Highlands/Glen Oaks Communities of Jefferson County, Alabama, and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1965. David, a passionate lover of people, spent his life in service to his God, his family, his country, and his fellow man. All who had the privilege of knowing David experienced his generous spirit and were pointed to Jesus by his words and love. He is remembered as a charismatic, kind, compassionate, and dynamic leader. David was known for “living large” as he rocked the drumline in the Fairfield High School Tiger Band and later in the Jacksonville State Marching Southerners, excelled as a FHS track star, drove a purple Challenger, cruised on a yellow chopper motorcycle, and sported the latest trendy styles. It was during his time at Jacksonville State that he sensed the call of God on his life and transferred to Samford University, then ultimately to New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, graduating with a Master of Divinity degree. He was a pied piper with a revolutionary and exciting flair as he ministered to many youth groups during the 70’s “Jesus Movement”. In 1978, David married his soulmate, Cheryl Biggs, from Atmore, Alabama, and they soon began the exciting military chapter of their life. During his 20-year career as a U.S. Army Chaplain, David ministered to countless soldiers in the U.S. and abroad. A few remarkable moments that David treasured were baptizing a record 148 soldiers in a Sunday morning service at Fort Benning, Georgia, ministering to soldiers in remote mountain-top sites of South Korea, and later, deploying with his soldiers in Operation Joint Endeavor to Bosnia. David was drawn to all things military and law-enforcement, volunteering his Chaplain skills to many organizations such as Alabama State Troopers, local police departments, and even the FBI. Retiring in 2001 as a Lieutenant Colonel, the Campbell family moved back to “Sweet Home Alabama”. David chose to live life on the edge, as revealed through his passion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and his Army Airborne status. His passionate message of “One-Way Jesus” permeated every aspect of his life.

David will be deeply missed and remembered as a father who lavished love on his children/ grandchildren, a fun-loving big brother, with an unquenchable fire for Christ, and a gregarious and loving friend. The zealous purpose and message of his life was “DON’T MISS JESUS!”

David’s celebration of life will be held on Thursday, September 23, at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home in Hoover, AL. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM with service following at 11:00, and officiated by his dear friend, Rev. John Mount. David will be laid to rest with full military honors at 1:15 PM at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.