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.
Christie and family,
So sorry for your loss of your dad and grandpa to your sons. Ronnie and I will forever be grateful for Cliff’s kindness shown in 2022 when he helped to save Ronnie from being struck by a car. Ronnie enjoyed eating breakfast with Cliff in Union Grove. Your family will be in our prayers. In Christian Love, Ronnie & Kathy Shoemaker.
I sure am sorry for your loss. He was a good man. He always made me laugh when I was around him. It’s not going to be the same without him. I always enjoyed running into to him at Gunter’s or getting gas. I thank God I got to know him. God bless you all. Prayers for all.
I am very sorry for your loss. He was a very funny person and will be missed greatly. One of the coolest guys I ever met. I worked with him over 30 years and there wasn’t a dull moment around him. I have many memories working with him.