Dr. William Campbell

Dr. William Nelson Campbell, 70, passed away on Jan. 28, 2017. Billy was born to  the late Bill and Jean (nee MaClay) Campbell from Little Rock, Arkansas. Billy graduated from Little Rock Hall High School. He went on to receive congressional appointment by Wilbur Mills of the Congress of U.S. House of Representatives to attend the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY. While attending, he excelled academically and travelled with the Glee Club. He was on the Squash and basketball team. His most impressive athletic endeavor was being named “Cadets On Top With Tennis.” Billy graduated on June 5, 1968 as a 2nd Lieutenant. He immediately went to Vietnam where he served in the Transportation Core. He was honorably discharged in 1973 with a Bronze Medal.

Billy attended grad school at William and Mary before deciding to be a physician. He graduated from University of Arkansas Med School. He then moved to Jacksonville in 1975 and completed an Orthopedic surgery residency at Shands. After his residency, while at St. Vincent’s he held the position of Chief of Orthopedic Surgery for 2 years. He was one of the founding members of Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute (JOI). His hobbies and passions were tennis and golf which he played regularly. He was Captain of the A team at Ponte Vedra Club in the late 80’s.  Of all Billy’s achievements, he considered his family his greatest. They always came first. He taught us by example and selfless devotion. He enjoyed traveling, spending time in NC mountains with his wife. His greatest gifts were his loyalty and integrity. His word was his bond and he taught his sons that priority.

He was a man of great faith and attended Redeemer Church for 24 years where he served God. He was involved with Go to the Nations and had been to Amazon on Medical Mission trips.

Dr. Campbell is survived by his wife of 30 years, Emily Blanton Campbell; and 3 loving sons, Daniel Fulmer and his wife Ashley, Bryan Fulmer and his wife Cindy, and Joseph Fulmer. He has left a great legacy in his grandchildren, William “Will” Fulmer, Grace Fulmer, Roman Fulmer and Christian Fulmer; his best friends were the Conrad family relatives from SC and Blantons from NC. He loved extended family. He was predeceased by his sister Dr. Susan Rector from Little Rock, Arkansas.

A Celebration of Dr. Campbell’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 in Redeemer Church, 190 Roscoe Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach.

We would like to thank Celeste Fitzgerald and Steve Sexton from Life Enrichment Group, also every person who loved and cared for us beautifully from Arbor Terrace, Ponte Vedra Memory Care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Billy’s name to The Muscular Dystrophy Association, 222 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60606.