Funeral services for Sgt. Major Lovie E. Campbell will be held Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, 11:00 AM, West Mitchell C.M.E. Church, 560 ML King Drive, SW, Atlanta, Ga. Interment, Friday, Sept.20, 2019, 11:00 AM Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, Ga. Donald Trimble Mortuary, Inc., 1876 Second Ave., (404) 371-0772-3.

Sgt. Major Lovie Edward Campbell was born on March 1, 1942 in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to John and Lina Campbell. He was a middle child; his older sister and baby brother preceded him in death.

Lovie, a career soldier serving 26 years in the United States Army, rose to the highest enlisted rank of Sgt. Major. His service recognition was stellar as he was the recipient of numerous awards to include: Bronze Star with one bronze oak leaf cluster;Meritorious Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal;Master Parachutist Badge; Legion of Merit; and Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars. He was most proud to receive the Purple Heart Medal twice.

On March 31, 1990, he married the love of his life Barbara Christian. When they were announced to the guests at the reception as Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, Lovie answered with the military sound of triumph! His life was richly blessed because of the relationship he had with his brothers-in-law, Dr. Silas Christian and Rodney Christian. His sister-in-law Wilma Nalls and her great grandchildren brought joy to his life as well. Lovie celebrated his 25th Wedding Anniversary with Barbara in a renewal of vows ceremony at Shy Temple CME on March 31, 2015. This festive occasion started with a formal dinner and program at the Eagles Landing Country Club.

Lovie was a graduate of Troy State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1991. He was a member of Shy Temple C.M.E. Church where he served as the Ministry to Men President and received the distinguished honor of President Emeritus under the Pastorage of Rev. Lamont Johnson. Senator Gloria Butler, in a formal ceremony on March 26, 2016, presented him a Certificate of Honor from the Governor’s Office for his years of service in Vietnam from 1963-1975. This recognition was long overdue because when the soldiers returned from Vietnam they were not recognized.

Now that a life well lived has come to an end, the memories he left behind will live on forever in his wife Dr. Barbara Christian Campbell, his daughter Lovietta Campbell and his sons, Lovie Campbell, Jr. and Tobias Campbell.

“A flight from our household is gone. A voice we loved is stilled. A place is vacant in our hearts, that God can only fill.”