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Some of his happiest moments were spent with his children and their friends, pulling them on tubes and enjoying water sports together.

Gerald Ray Campbell, 59, passed away on August 21, 2026 at Forrest General Hospital surrounded by his loved ones. Gerald was born on February 06, 1967 in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Jerry, affectionately known as “Little Jerry” to most, was a man who could do just about anything. A true jack of all trades, Jerry lived a full and adventurous life, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, generosity, laughter, music, and, most importantly, faith.

Jerry took great pride in his skills as a heavy equipment operator. For a time, he successfully owned and operated his own dirt work and utilities business, where his determination, knowledge, and ability to get the job done earned him the respect of those who knew him. He also spent time driving a truck and excelled at over-the-road transportation. Whatever he put his hands to, Jerry gave it his best.

Beyond his work, Jerry loved being outdoors and making memories with the people he loved. Having a boat was a part of his life because he loved being on the water. Some of his happiest moments were spent with his children and their friends, pulling them on tubes and enjoying water sports together. He took great joy in watching them laugh, splash, and make memories. He loved camping, hunting, and fishing, and he was a gifted fisherman who knew how to appreciate the quiet and beauty of being outdoors. He especially enjoyed fishing with his son, making memories together that will be treasured forever. He was also generous with his catch, often giving fish he had caught to people in the community so they could enjoy them too.

Jerry had a generous heart in many ways. He was known to pay for strangers’ meals at restaurants and was a generous tipper. He gave freely and selflessly, often looking for ways to make someone else’s day a little better. Jerry also had a special gift for giving people nicknames. He could come up with the best nicknames for just about anyone, and somehow, they always stuck. Those names became part of the stories and memories people shared with him and are sure to bring smiles and laughter for years to come.

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He was a gifted fisherman who knew how to appreciate the quiet and beauty of being outdoors.

Music was another important part of Jerry’s life. He loved all kinds of music and, in his own way, passed that love on to his children, leaving them with quite an eclectic musical taste and countless memories connected to the songs he enjoyed.

Of all the things Jerry accomplished in his life, what he was most proud of was being a father. His children were among his greatest accomplishments and greatest joys. He worked hard to make sure they had everything they needed growing up and took great pride in providing for them. Jerry was also a very proud grandfather. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart, and being “Tata” was one of the roles he cherished most.

While Jerry lived many lives through his work, hobbies, and adventures, the most important chapter of his life came toward the end. Jerry developed a close and deeply meaningful relationship with the Lord. He faithfully read his Bible every day and found comfort, strength, and hope in God’s Word. He often shared Bible verses and songs of encouragement with his children, using the things that had become precious to him to remind them of God’s love and faithfulness.

As the end of his earthly life approached, Jerry was not afraid. He was excited to be with Jesus. He had an assurance in his heart that death was not the end, but simply a transport to his heavenly home. His faith gave him peace, and that peace became one of the greatest gifts he could leave with his family.

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His faith gave him peace, and that peace became one of the greatest gifts he could leave with his family.

Jerry will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. His stories, his humor, his generosity, his love of the outdoors, his music, his famous nicknames, and the countless skills he shared with others will live on in the memories of those he leaves behind. Most of all, his family will remember the testimony of a man who found his way to a deep and abiding faith in Jesus and left this world with the confidence that he was going home.

Jerry is preceded in death by his father, Gerald C. Campbell, and his sister, Angela Campbell. Jerry is survived by his mother, Peggy Marble; his daughter, Britney Dewease and her husband, Stevie; his son, Shelby “Bud” Campbell and his wife, Kelsey; and his beloved grandchildren, Kendall, Camden, Christian, Abel, and Connor, who were among his greatest joys and most cherished blessings. He is also survived by his three brothers, Curtis, Jeffery, and Roy Campbell, as well as many other beloved family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A gathering to celebrate and honor Jerry’s life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced by his family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Jerry’s memory by showing kindness and generosity to others. Buy a meal for someone, leave a generous tip, share a meal with a neighbor, help someone in need, or simply take the time to encourage someone who may be going through a difficult season. These small acts of kindness reflect the generous heart Jerry carried throughout his life and the love he found through his faith in Jesus.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7