Bishop Ira Campbell, Jr.

Obituary For Bishop Ira Campbell, Jr.

“His Lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the rest of the Lord. (Matthew 25:23)

Bishop Ira Campbell Jr. DD, a faithful servant of the Lord, entered eternal rest on January 4, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and dedication to God’s Kingdom. Born on February 5, 1948, in Thomasville, Georgia, to the late Ira Campbell Sr. and Clara Diggs Campbell Jones (Ulysses), Bishop Campbell was a shining example of a life lived for Christ. He was preceded in death by his fathers, sister Selena Campbell, and brothers Charles “Franklin ” Jones and Ulysses Jones Jr.

Bishop Campbell grew up surrounded by love and faith. Raised by his grandparents, Frank Delaney Sr., Everlena Gilmore Diggs Delaney, and Aunt Rhetta Truitlin, he often attributed his spiritual foundation and love for Jesus to their nurturing guidance. As a young boy, he joined Ochlocknee Missionary Baptist Church and followed the legacy of his Great-grandfather, Rev. Kinch Gilmore. There his faith journey began as he startedministering at the age of 14.

He often told us about how he stood on a box in the pulpit and preached. “Christ blesses his children” was his first message among so many others. His later accomplishments and Church associations included: the Church of Christ, Quitman, GA.; Mother Ford: Ford Chapel, Miami, FL. (Cathedral), and First Baptist Church (Gainesville, FL). Bishop joined St. Thomas A.M.E church under the leadership of Rev. R.C. Anderson and Presiding Elder TJ Isom. He served in several capacities in the conference and as Elder and Pastor in Barwick (St. John A.M.E.), Brooks County (St. Phillip A.M.E.), Lowndes County (Ousley A.M.E.) and (St. Mark A.M.E.), Thomasville, GA.

Christ Blesses His Children

Answering God’s call, he was ordained as Bishop in 1978. He was the founding Bishop of the First Born Methodist Church where he served as Senior Bishop and Overseer until his transition to “another building, not made by hands”. Several churches were established in Ousley, Cairo, Thomasville, Rebecca, Ashburn, Homerville and Pelham, GA. Bishop loved the “Church” with all his heart and helped mentor, encourage and strengthen many individuals during his life’s ministry as a father, brother, uncle, leader and friend.

Through his leadership, these churches became places of worship, teaching, and discipleship, equipping leaders and pastors who now serve worldwide. His preaching style was uniquely inspiring, often incorporating spontaneous singing and joyous praise breaks, reflecting Psalm 100:1: “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands!”

Bishop was employed in the criminal justice system for many years as a Police Officer and attended the Police Academy in New York and Tifton, GA. When he lived in New York he earned a 42nd degree black belt in karate. He would tell his many acquaintances and friends about his “adventures” and experiences during that time.

He was a1965 graduate of Washington High School (Cairo, GA), attended Willowbrook State College (Staten Island, NY) where he received a degree in Mental Hygiene. Later heattended ABAC (Tifton, GA) where he received a scholarship to Miami. While in south Florida, he attended Miami Dade and Miami Christian College. Bishop loved sports and often spoke of his days playing as a “Star” basketball and baseball player as well as playing football. He would often tell wonderful stories of his days in high school and playing with his other “BeachtonAllstar” colleagues.

Bishop Campbell pursued his divine calling, earning a Doctor of Divinity in Theology from Miami Christian Seminary. With over 50 years of ministry, he mentored thousands, spreading the Gospel, making disciples, and sowing seeds of faith that will continue to bear fruit for generations.

Through the encouragement of his in-laws, Leroy Lilly and Emma Lilly, Bishop became a member of Mt. Vernon Lodge #256 and Hannah Pride Chapter #3 O.E.S. Boston, GA. He was a Shriner who later founded a Lodge and Eastern Star Chapter in Ousley, GA.

He was the owner of ABC Kindergarten (Boston, Cairo, Quitman) and Campbell’s Masterpieces clothing store located in Quitman, GA. He would pick up, teach, feed, and drop off children to their various locations. Bishop loved children everywhere. He would always let everyone know that he did not tolerate anyone mistreating a child.

Bishop Campbell had a heart for children and delighted in supporting them, whether at academic or sporting events. A lover of sports, especially basketball and baseball, he saw them as opportunities to build character and glorify God.

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Emma J. Campbell, and four children: Ira Mitchell(Angela) (Waxahachie, TX), Jimmy Brown (Thomasville, GA), Iris Campbell Williams (Greg) (Fort Lauderdale, FL), and Timothy Campbell (Thomasville, GA). His legacy extends to 16grandchildren:, Kean Moore (Tiffany), (Jacksonville, FL),Damian Griffin (Quitman, GA) Jimeeka Brown, (Quitman, GA), Vandacious Thompson (Thomasville, GA), Elonza Williams(Thomasville, GA), Cameron Mickens (Thomasville, GA), Jimmy Brown III (Valdosta, GA), Kiara Mickens (Thomasville,GA), Ayana Mickens (Thomasville, GA), Jacolby Brown (Valdosta, GA), Ilyria Johns (Fort Lauderdale, FL), RobertWilliams Jr. (Fort Lauderdale, FL), Kyle Williams (Miami, FL), Gabrielle Williams (Miami, FL) Keionnia Oston, (Waxahachie, TX) Neisha Addison, (Waxahachie, TX) and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Mary Garland (Thomas) of Cairo, GA; one brother, John W. Jones (Shirley) of Thomasville, GA; one aunt, Rhetta L. Trutlin of Thomasville, GA; one uncle, Frank Delaney Sr. of Thomasville, GA; Devoted Brother-in-Laws Harrell Johnson (Frances) and Carl Johnson (Sandra) Thomasville, GA, Special God Daughters Minister Brenda Marion (Charles), Dublin, GA, Tanya Sallette (Tony) , Forsyth, GA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Bishop Campbell’s life was a testimony to Galatians 6:9:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

He was tireless in his mission to glorify God and bring others to Christ. His greatest desire was to hear God say, “Well done,”and to see the seeds he planted grow into a thriving legacy of faith.

As we celebrate his life, we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to making disciples and shining the light of Jesus in a dark world. (Romans 10:1) Bishop Campbell’s legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the churches he built, and the faith he instilled in all who knew him. May we honor his memory by continuing his work, using our gifts for the Kingdom of God,and spreading the love of Christ to all. At the end of every service he would remind everyone of the Campbell’s Creed, “I believe things go better with love. I believe things go better with love. Nothing can take the place of the love that I have for you.”

Rest in love, Bishop Ira Campbell Jr. DD. Your race is finished, and your crown of righteousness awaits. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Visitation will be Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the Stevens-McGhee chapel from 10AM-6PM.

Home Going services will be Sunday, January 12, 2025 at 11A.M. at Pelham First Born Methodist Church, 218 Branch Street, Pelham, Georgia 31799, with Elder Jimmy Brown and Elder Brenda Brown Marion -Presiding. Elder Dr. Warnell Parker will be Officiating. Burial will follow in Peaceful Rest Cemetery in Thomasville, GA.

Continue to keep the Campbell family in your thoughts and prayers. My