William Ronald Campbell Jr. (June 15, 1939 – February 3, 2026)
William Ronald Campbell, Jr. of Fairfax, Virginia passed away at home on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the age of 86. He was born on June 15, 1939 in Quantico, Virginia to William R. “Soupy” Campbell and Julia Lamar Campbell. His introduction to military life began in childhood which would take him to his father’s various duty stations ultimately leading to his enrollment at the U.S. Naval Academy. Ron graduated from the academy in 1961 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps beginning a distinguished military career, culminating in his retirement with the rank of Lt. Colonel in 1982.
Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Linda (Martin); his daughter Geary Morris (Edward) and his son William “Bill” Campbell (Jill Taylor). He was predeceased by his daughter Julia Campbell in 2007. Also known as “Pop Pop,” Ron is survived by two grandchildren, Katherine and William Morris. The oldest of four children, Ronnie, as he was known by his siblings, is survived by Cecele Quaintance, Wallace “Wally” Campbell, Blanche Skubic (Stan), many cousins in Pensacola, Florida and several nieces and nephews with whom he enjoyed sharing his love of the Big Island (Hawaii).
His service to his country began with duty stations at Okinawa, and as an artillery officer followed by his transition to aviation. He was stationed at NAS Pensacola, Florida for flight training. Additionally, Ron was assigned to various duty stations including Quantico, Virginia; Pascagoula, Mississippi where he served as the assistant air operations officer on the USS Tarawa; Coronado, California where he was assigned as the flight operations officer on the USS Tarawa and Kailua, Hawaii as the Commanding Officer of HMM-262 at Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station in Hawaii until his retirement in 1982. Ron quickly transitioned to the private sector where he served in various management contracting roles until his retirement in 2003. In retirement, he continued his life of service as an active volunteer at The Church of the Good Shepherd, Oakmont Golf Course, Military Historical Tours, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, and as an election official in Fairfax County, Virginia. He was an active member of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute where he enjoyed classes on history and Singing for Fun.
Ron graduated from Quantico Post High School in Quantico, Virginia in 1957, the U.S. Naval Academy in 1961 and received his master’s degree from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.
During his service in the U.S Marine Corps, Ron was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry from the South Vietnamese government during his military career.
He will be remembered for his annual trips to his home on the Big Island of Hawaii where he enjoyed being a tour guide for his visiting friends, love of the game of golf including his years as a marshal at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai, and the joy of listening to Hawaiian slack key guitar. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’s memory to The Church of the Good Shepherd (https://www.good-shepherd.net) or Young Marines (https://youngmarines.org/donate).
Cremation Society of Virginia, Chantilly
14014 Sullyfield Cir # F
Chantilly, VA 20151
703-936-2622
https://www.virginiacremate.com/obituaries/chantilly-va/william-campbell-12738025