Visitation will be held at 1:30pm, Friday, July 23, 2021, at First Baptist Church in Center with funeral service starting at 3:00pm. Bro. Rick Gage, Bro. Marlin Cloudy, and Bro. Rusty Hall will officiate. Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Center. 

 

Rick Lane Campbell passed away July 19, 2021. Born in Center to James and Mona Campbell on April 5, 1959, he attended school in Center, Texas and graduated from Center High School in 1977. Rick then attended Tyler Junior College and University of Texas, and graduated in 1981. He was on the Tyler Junior College tennis team, and was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity. 

 

Rick was involved in many organizations, including: Shelby Savings Bank, where he served as a director, and later a Chairman of the Board of Directors; Trustee for Center ISD; Shelby County Beef committee; Director for the Shelby County Appraisal District; Chairman of the Bonehill Foundation; District Chairman and State Delegate for Ducks Unlimited; President of the Board of Directors of Shelby County Chamber of Commerce; Multiple leadership roles including Vice Chairman of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Area Go Texan Committee; President of Center Rotary Club; Director of Sheriff’s Posse; Life member of the University of Texas; Member of the Poultry Festival Steering Committee; Member of the Shelby County Delegation for Shelby County Day in Austin; Member of Sharon Temple of Tyler; Member of Sam Sanford Lodge #149 in Center; Member of First Baptist Church of Center; attended First United Methodist Church of Center; Steward Committee; and 27 years as a Center Volunteer Firefighter. 

 

Rick received numerous honors and awards, including: Alumni of the Year of Tyler Junior College; Conservation Service Award for Ducks Unlimited; Rotarian of the Year; Friend of 4-H Award; Honorary Chapter FFA Degree; Shelby County Chamber of Commerce Young  Citizen of the Year and the Distinguished Service Award 

 

Rick owned the Center Livestock Company with his father, and owned and worked cattle his entire life. He was the founder of Portacool and was quoted as saying, “I never dreamed I would get to do the things I’ve done because of Portacool. I’m a seventh generation Center kid. I wouldn’t imagine living anywhere but right here. Because of this company, I got to drive an Indy car, and dance with Ashley Judd. It was stressful at times, but a totally unbelievable ride.”  After selling Portacool, Rick was honored to serve as the Shelby County Judge. 

 

He devoted his life to helping those in need and providing encouragement to the brokenhearted. He generously donated to many charities and organizations, even building several new churches in the East Texas area. While he is known for many things, he is best known for always being willing to help people. Rick loved to duck hunt, deer hunt, golf, spend time with his friends, and he loved Shelby County, Texas. Most of all, however, Rick loved and adored his family. He cherished every member of his family, and extended family. The names he treasured the most were Dad and Papaw. He will be missed greatly by his family, and his numerous friends. 

 

He is survived by wife, Katrina Campbell; children, Brooke Lane and husband Brad, and Ashton Campbell; grandchildren, Vivienne Lane and Evangeline Lane; step-children, Emily Still and husband Casey, Ellie Walker, Dean Walker, and Dane Walker; father, James Campbell; sister, Angela Koonce and husband David; brother-in-law, Stephen Gamble; niece, Michelle Permenter and friend Julianne Horst; nephews, Cameron McElroy and Collin McElroy and wife Hillary; great-nephews, Ethan McElroy, Campbell Beck, Connor McElroy, and Tucker McElroy; and great-niece, Olivia Jamie McElroy.

 

Preceded in death by his mother, Mona Jones Campbell, and his sister, Jamie Campbell Gamble.

 

Pallbearers will be Miguel Casteneda, Nick Waters, Randy Floyd, Roy Blackshear, Rick Shires, Robert Poffinbarger, Bill Lloyd, and Clint Tanner. Honorary pallbearers will be Ashton Campbell, Brad Lane, Cameron McElroy, Collin McElroy, Yazoo Thomas, the Board of Directors of Shelby Savings Bank, the Shelby County Cookers, and the Function Boys. 

 

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a church or charity of choice.

Online condolences & tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com