Leonard Campbell

Leonard O. Campbell was born in Grady, Oklahoma on April 1, 1927. He was the seventh of nine children born to Ervin and Viola (Brewer) Campbell. Life in his early years was hard and Leonard only earned a sixth grade education, quitting school to find employment to help support the family. He was employed in Federal Civil Service from 1942 – 1946 at the W&B Flying School in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He also found work at Fort Still, Oklahoma.

Years later, Leonard met the love of his life, Ruth Ann Jordan, (affectionately referred to as “Sugar”) and they were married on October 9, 1948 in Chickasha, Oklahoma. To this union, five children were born: Leonard Jr., Patricia Ann, Naomi Mae, Loretta Fae and Joseph Eugene. Together, they taught their children to always put God first in their lives, to have strong Christian values, to be people of integrity and to love and forgive people as Jesus forgave all.

The couple moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma and met Pastor Martin of the Church of God in Christ, who led them to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. They moved to El Centro, California and united with the Holy Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Pastor Colin, where Leonard accepted his call to the ministry to “Preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ” to everyone he met.  His knowledge of God’s word was immeasurable and his ability to pray and communicate with the Lord was profound.  He truly enjoyed his walk with the Lord and fellowshipping with many people, especially his Christian brothers and sisters.

In 1959, the family moved to San Diego, California and united with St. Mark Church of God in Christ, under the leadership of Pastor Ruben McCarney.  As an elder in the church, he minister to many of God’s people and witnessed to others about the love of Jesus Christ.

With no formal education, he started a business. He was the CEO of a one-man business and his product was himself. Under the name of “Little man Car Wash” he operated a detail and hand car wash that served the southeast San Diego area for 55 years.  Leonard knew that he had to give it his all every day because the family and the business depended on his dedication to make it work. Although he worked very hard, usually up at 4:00 A.M. praying and off to work by at least 6:00 am, he made it to every special event at our school and church functions. Work was always second to God and family.

Leonard’s nickname was “Little Man”.  He was small in stature, but he had a big heart, especially when it came to anyone in need.  People adored him for his work ethic and funny personality that made many people laugh.  If you started a conversation with him, you better have time to finish it because he loved to talk. God blessed him to master the skill of making cars look new and beautiful which kept people coming back to his business. He was a brave, bold and bright man; a beacon of light that blessed many around him. In his leisure, Leonard enjoyed traveling with his family, boxing and watching old western movies.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruth Ann; his daughter, Loretta; grandson, Lamonte Campbell; his parents, his five brothers: Roosevelt, Joseph, Ervin, Christy and Herman Campbell and three sisters, Antless Kemp, Mary and Corrine Campbell. Leonard was finally called home to be with the Lord at 9:45 P.M. on November 11, 2017.

He leaves a legacy to be remembered by his children, Leonard O. Campbell, Jr., Patricia A. Campbell, Naomi F. Campbell-Steele and Joseph E. Campbell; ten grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.