Clifton Ray Campbell, 79, passed away Sunday, January 25, 2026. He was born in Iredell County on May 25, 1946, to the late Espy Campbell and Beulah Cloer Campbell.

Clifton retired after 30 years of service from the N.C. Department of Transportation, where he worked in various departments from road work to maintenance.

Clifton will be remembered for his great sense of humor and his love of teasing those around him—a quality that brought smiles and laughter wherever he went. He truly worshiped his grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of his life, and he cherished every moment spent with them. Clifton found peace and happiness at the beach, one of his favorite places to be. He also had a passion for dirt track racing and never missed the chance to enjoy the excitement of the sport. Above all, he loved spending time with family and friends, creating memories filled with laughter and connecting with loved ones including one of his best friends, Todd Goodin.

Clifton’s humor and love for his family will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Kathy Goodin Campbell; and siblings, Espy Campbell, James Campbell, Jerry Campbell, Elsie Freeman, and Shirley Mitchem.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Christie Billings (Cliff); son, Jonathan Campbell (Lisa); grandchildren, Hunter Mitchem (Hallie) Nathan Campbell, Isacc Welborn ( Reese), Kendall Billings (Abby) ,Jaden Billings and Corey Crist; and two brothers, Melvin Campbell and Roger Campbell.

A funeral service will be help at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Nicholson Funeral Home with Pastor Dale Gryder officiating with burial to follow at Winthrop Friends Meeting Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.