Lt. Col. Julian Richard Campbell

Julian Richard Campbell, age 103, of Cullman, Alabama, passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023, at Oaks on Parkwood Nursing Facility in Bessemer, Alabama. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as a loyal and patriotic American. He loved his country. Julian was born February 15, 1920, in Trade, Alabama. He grew up from the age of five at Arley in Winston County. He graduated from Meek High School in 1939. Being ripe for WWII, he graduated from Air Force pilot training in September 1942. During 1943 he flew 40 bombing missions as a B-26 pilot in the Europe-Africa-Mideast theater. From 1944-45 he flew C-54 transport missions across the Pacific to many points in the Asiatic-Pacific theater in the war against Japan. In 1947, Julian left the service to return to school. On returning home he found the girl of his dreams, Marie Hamner, with whom he’d had one date on a trip home during the war. They were married on April 3, 1948. He flew in the Air National Guard while in school at Howard College (now Samford University), graduating in 1950. He was recalled to active duty in 1951 during the Korean War. While not serving in Korea, he later flew missions in the Vietnam War. During his 28 year Air Force career, he had job assignments along with flying duties such as Squadron Commander, Group Flying Safety Officer, Air Force ROTC instructor, Wing Supply Officer and Major Air Force Fuels Supply Officer. His many honors included the Bronze Star, several Air Medals, Commendation Medal, and four Campaign Medals. He achieved Senior and Command Pilot ratings. Retiring from the Air Force in 1969 he moved his family to Cullman in 1970, where he was an active member of the VFW. Julian was a member of Seventh Street Baptist Church where he served as Deacon. He worked in real estate and taught real estate courses at Wallace State Community College. He regarded this work above all as a service to people buying and selling property. He joined Terri Pines Country Club as a charter member in 1980, where he and Marie played golf for many years. In August 2014, he played his 5,000th round at Terri Pines, having always walked. He attributed his longevity to his life-long exercise routines and walking the golf course. Julian was an author. A request for an account of his early life from daughter Robin prompted him to write the story of his life. Memories That Must Not Vanish is a “can’t put it down” book. In the introduction, Julian explains: “My story involves a country boy’s struggle to cope with the big and sometimes cruel world into which he was placed. I hope to portray someone who is devoted and loyal to his family and country. There is a distinctively visible spiritual thread running through the story, and like most tales, this is an account of love and trust.” For two decades Julian was an inspiring public speaker. He addressed Veterans and Memorial day events, daughter Jean’s workplace, seniors, grandsons’ schools and the Boy Scouts. His knack for storytelling, memory for detail and sense of humor encaptivated audiences young and old. Julian Campbell was a survivor. He was hit by enemy fire flying combat in WWII and flew through a monsoon. He flew missions in Vietnam. He overcame depression through his faith and family love. His home suffered a direct tornado hit, but he was able to first navigate two residing daughters to safety. Years later, he and Marie escaped a devastating home fire. Here he would remind everyone he also survived raising four daughters. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Martha Campbell; his wife, Marie Hamner Campbell; and ten siblings and their spouses. Survivors include daughters, Teresa Lynn Campbell, Martha Ann Campbell, Jean Marie Campbell (Richard Kirby), and Robin Juliene Campbell Wilhelm (Steve Wilhelm); grandchildren, Melissa Jean Carden (Kyle Miracle), Rachel Olivia Carpentier (Brett Kostrzewski), Caroline Rue Carden (Felix Bouchet), Steven “Camp” Campbell Wilhelm, and Ryan Lee Wilhelm; great-grandchildren, Lily Tallulah Carden-Bouchet and Adelaide Marie Kostrzewski; and sister, Doris Campbell Fuller. The funeral for Julian Campbell will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the Seventh Street Baptist Church, 708 7th St., SW, Cullman, AL, 35055, officiated by Pastor Eric Martin. Visitation will begin at 12:30 and the service at 2:00. Interment will follow at the Meek Baptist Cemetery, 360 CR-77, Arley, Alabama, 35541. Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Lt. Col. Julian Richard Campbell

February 15, 1920 - September 18, 2023