Carl Edward Campbell, 87, of Sequatchie, Tennessee, died Sunday, January 26, 2020 in a Chattanooga hospital.
A descendent of a pioneer Marion County family, Carl was the son of the late James Hardie and Bessie Harris Campbell. He received his first through eighth grade education in a one-room schoolhouse where he learned to read at an early age. Books became his friends early in life and he read everything he could get his hands on, including the Bible and Shakespeare.
He graduated from Marion County High School in 1949 with honors at the age of 16. He received his bachelor’s degree in English from Tennessee Tech, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Soon after graduation as the Korean War was beginning, he was drafted into the United States Army. His service with the Army included a lot of time in Europe. While there he had the opportunity to climb the Leaning Tower of Piza, see the statue of Michelangelo’s David, and attend performances at the Austria Opera House.
After his tour of duty, he returned to Tennessee and enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where he received his master’s degree. He taught English at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for many years and also served as Vice-President of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee.
After his retirement, he became interested in the history of the Civil War. He published several books and gave many interesting talks on the subject to various historical groups. He also extensively researched his family history and the history of the community of Sequatchie, Tennessee which resulted in his book “Sequatchie Mountain Folks.” This book featured hundreds of long-forgotten stories and articles detailing the lives of area families during the late 1800s and early 1900s. He gave the proceeds from the sale of this book to the Foster Falls Community Center and Fire Department.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Frances Trew Campbell, several cousins, and many friends.
Funeral services will be conducted from the South Pittsburg Chapel of Rogers Funeral Home on Thursday, Jan. 30, at noon Central time. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery in Jasper, Tn.
The family will receive friends for visitation prior to the service on Thursday beginning at 10 a.m. Central time at the funeral home.
Memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.rogersfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Rogers Funeral Home, 400 Laurel Avenue, South Pittsburg, Tn. 37380, 423 837-7176.