William Rogers Campbell

William "Bill" Rogers Campbell, Lt. Col. (Ret.), age 91, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. He was born on August 4, 1933, in Surgoinsville, TN, to George Rogers Campbell and Margaret Dana (née Jennings) Campbell.

Bill graduated from Friendsville High School in 1952 and earned a degree from East Tennessee State University in 1956. He received his M.B.A from Syracuse University. Shortly after, he entered the U.S. Army Ordnance School and began his military career, serving both in the United States and abroad. His first assignment took him to Heidelberg, Germany, where he met and married Margaret Cullen, his beloved wife. Over the course of his 25-year military career, Bill served in various locations including Alaska, Vietnam, Thailand, Denmark, and Turkey.

After retiring from active duty, Bill spent over 20 years working with Lockheed Martin. Throughout his life, he was an unwavering supporter of his children's interests, dedicating countless hours to volunteering with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, swimming teams, gymnastics meets, and soccer games. Bill also cared deeply for his parents, particularly in their later years.

His greatest joy was always being in the company of family, friends, co-workers, church members, and anyone who needed a smile. Bill’s positive attitude and kind spirit turned strangers into friends, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met.

In Maryville, Bill was an active member of the community, participating in Kiwanis, the local food pantry, the Salvation Army, and his church.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Peggy, and their five children: Rod, Julia (Jay), Marty (Ed), Amy, and Matt (Nancy), along with 17 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, February 27, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service. A Celebration of Life will take place at his church on Friday, February 28, at 2:00 PM at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Imagination Library, Good Neighbors of Blount County, or St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com