Richard Eugene Campbell

Richard “Rick” Eugene Glenn Campbell, 93, of Concord, North Carolina, formerly of Palm Beach, Florida, passed away at his home on April 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of his life, his wife, Banetta.

Rick was born on May 25, 1932, in the Bronx, New York to the late Helen Sperry Glenn Campbell and the late Michael Glenn. He was also preceded in death by his brother, James “Jimmy” Campbell (Lorraine).

His life was one of resilience, independence, and remarkable determination. Rick’s strong work ethic began at an early age, shining shoes for 10 cents on the front steps of St. Raymond’s Catholic Parish in New York City. After serving his country proudly in the United States Navy, he returned home and began a journey that would define his life’s work. From humble beginnings—including working in the sanitation department as a garbage man in New York City—Rick made a life-changing decision one New Year’s Eve on Fifth Avenue to pursue something greater. That decision led him into sales, where he built a long and successful career as a wholesale salesman in the paper and plastic industry.

Rick had a natural gift for connection and relationship-building, maintaining friendships and business relationships that spanned decades. If something needed to be packaged, Rick likely would have had a hand in selling it.

Above all, Rick loved living life fully. He and his beloved wife, Banetta, shared a deep love that began in September 2002 and grew into a lifetime of cherished memories. Together, they enjoyed traveling the world—taking cruises, exploring California wine country, traveling through the Canadian Rockies, and visiting destinations across Europe including Rome, Florence, Venice, Scotland, and Switzerland, as well as Mexico, the Virgin Islands, Aruba, Curaçao, Central America, St. Lucia, St. Barts, St. Kitts, the Cayman Islands, Breckenridge, Grand Canyon, Teton and Yellowstone Parks, Bar Harbor and Las Vegas. He especially loved spending time in Vermont during the fall, where the beauty of the season brought him great joy.

Rick also had a passion for horse racing. He was proud to have owned a racehorse and treasured the time spent attending racing seasons at Gulfstream Park, Saratoga, Monmouth Park, and Belmont. One of his most memorable experiences was celebrating his 75th birthday with a trip to the Kentucky Derby.

He enjoyed movies, gardening, the beach, convertibles, and especially time spent with those he loved. He also had a lifelong love of football—he was the quarterback on the teams he played on growing up in the borough, later held New York Giants season tickets on the 50-yard line, and proudly attended 20 Super Bowls over the years. Rick also took great joy in decorating for the holidays, transforming both his home and yard into festive displays throughout the year. Christmas was especially meaningful, with three beautifully decorated trees, real pine garlands, and poinsettias filling the home, but he celebrated every season with enthusiasm—from Halloween and Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, and all the red, white, and blue summer holidays.

His loyal Yorkie companions—especially Derby—brought him great comfort and joy throughout the years.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Banetta Kay Alms Campbell; their children, Tammy Macholl and husband Kevin, and Samuel Leemon and wife Caroline; their cherished grandchildren, John Henry Macholl, Michael Henry Macholl, and Thomas Henry Macholl; and his brother, Robert “Bob” Campbell and wife Jen.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:30 PM on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Saint James Catholic Church, officiated by Father Glenn Parker. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

A graveside service with military honors by the U.S. Navy Military Honors Team will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Willisville, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Joseph Cemetery: C/O Wilson’s Funeral Home, 509 W. Illinois St., Steeleville, IL 62288.

Rick’s life was a testament to perseverance, love, and living on his own terms. As Frank Sinatra sang it, he did it MY WAY. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.