William Norman Campbell, Jr.

October 18, 1941 - May 27, 2024

William Norman "Bill" Campbell, 82, of Fort Wright, Ky died on Monday, May 27, 2024 in Latonia, Ky. Bill is survived by daughter Courtney Campbell of Fort Myers, FL, loving step-son Tim Menkhaus of Cincinnati, and was preceded in death by his step-son John Menkhaus and his brothers, Mike, and Rick Campbell. Bill will also be mourned by his former wife, Linda Campbell.

Raised in Taylor Mill, he graduated from Simon Kenton where he was taught by Bob Roden, his band director who he credited with his interest in the field. After attending Eastern Kentucky University for his Bachelor's in Music and the University of Kentucky for his Master's in Music, he became a high school Band Director. His first teaching position was at Corbin High School in Corbin, KY followed by Bryan Station High School in Lexington, Kentucky and Boone County High School in Florence, KY before moving to West High School in Knoxville, TN and Ripley High School in Ripley, TN. He returned to Kentucky at Murray High School in Murray, KY and his last teaching position was in Ft Thomas, KY at Fort Thomas Highlands High School. Bill had an innate ability to teach music from fourth graders all the way through high school seniors. Band camp was a challenge each year with new musical scores to teach and a show to write. He always exceeded the expectations of the communities for whom he worked, winning many trophies, achieving superior ratings, and leaving many happy memories with his students. His later career was in advertising.

Bill loved University of Kentucky basketball, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Reds. He loved telling jokes, politics, and people watching. He loved sharing old stories, even once gathering a crowd at a bar in Manhattan.

He felt grateful in recent years to be back in touch with so many former colleagues and students. Bill was cremated and his ashes will be spread in New Smyrna Beach, Florida where his brother Rick lived until his untimely death in 2002. No services are planned. Donations in his honor can be directed to Corbin High School Band Boosters (corbinbandboosters.org). Online condolences may be made on Facebook or at www.connleybrothersfuneralhome.com

Condolences

Angela Jones Mitchell - Jul 19, 2024

Bill Campbell was a jokester and an excellent band director. While at the Ripley High School, he worked the band members hard, striving for perfection and led the band to countless competitions, both marching and concert , winning the majority of them. He had a knack for fundraising. The spaghetti dinner tickets and candles we sold to finance our numerous trips. He was a strict but also had a softer side. He took us to Orlando FL to compete in the Tangerine Bowl and while in Orlando, he took us to Sea World. He also led us to Nashville to play for a president and during my junior year, he took us to Kentucky to Lake Barkley as a weekend treat. We were proud band members,nearly 300 strong, and the community was extremely proud and supported us in all that we did. I've often wondered about Mr. Campbell through these last 45 years and was so sorry to read of his passing. Saluting you sir for a job well done.🫡

Angela Jones Mitchell - Jul 18, 2024

Bridget McGinley - Jun 5, 2024

Bill was my neighbor for the last 6 years. I had come to know and admire his tenacity and independence. He was a good neighbor. Sometimes I could hear the sweet sound of band music coming from his apartment and he hummed along inside. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to the family.

Dolores McCaslin - May 30, 2024

I had no idea Corbin was his first teaching job! He really took us to the next level. I was in grade school and so proud to be in the marching band. He had the patience of Job. He developed the Marching C and a fancy drill for going around corners. I’ve never seen anything like that to this day. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

John Babb - May 28, 2024

I attended a music appreciation class and sang second bass in the Corbin High School Choir when Mr. Campbell taught at his first assignment. I am sad to learn of his passing but still, after more than 58 years I remember him well . . . one of the last of my very good teachers.

Steve Mitchell - May 27, 2024

Mr. Campbell was a really solid band director. I gave him some significant headaches; however, he was always fair with me. I appreciated everything he did for me, and I loved Al the great times I had at RHS in Jazz, Stage, Orchestra anc marching bands. We didn’t always see eye to eye, but he made me a better musician. RIP sir.

Glen Rust - May 27, 2024

I’m very sorry to hear about Bill . I had connected with him on Facebook a couple of years ago. I grew up across the street from the Campbell’s on Skyway Dr. I was younger but I knew and remember Bill, Mike and Rick very well I remember their love for music. The Campbell’s were a great family to grow up next to. Rest in Peace Bill

Jennifer Smith - May 27, 2024

Me. Campbell became my band director my freshman year in high school! Like Mr. C my instrument was alto sax and he came after Mr. couch left and put together fabulous shows to compete with play at the ball games. I love my ears and band and I love Mr. C and he picked me for one of the senior awards awards and I treasured that to this day, my condolences his daughter and his stepson and all the rest of his family. I knew Mike once upon a time but haven’t seen him in years. I happen to be in Florida right now at the Ollo Beach visiting my sister so I won’t be able to come up, but I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a great guy .

Jennifer Smith - May 27, 2024

William Norman Campbell, Jr.

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