Obituary of Matthew Paul Campbell

Obituary of Matthew Campbell Matthew P. Campbell was born on July 2, 1932 to Ben and Leanne Campbell, of Tyler, Texas. They instilled values and work ethics in him as well as principles which remained a part of his persona until his departure. In 1953 he joined the Army for two years and was discharged honorably. In 1958 he finished college earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Butler College in Tyler, Texas. Shortly thereafter, he met and married the love of his life, the beautiful Willie Frances Warren. Unspeakable joy filled the community at the birth of their two gorgeous daughters Sonia and Carla, both born in Tyler. Desiring a better life for his family, he moved to Dallas in 1963 and worked as a math and health teacher at Bishop Heights Elementary School. His ability to motivate and change the lives of students as well as adults was observed; therefore, he was strongly encouraged to become an administrator. He accepted the challenge and was promoted rapidly, becoming an assistant principal at Kennedy Curry Junior High School then moving to Wilmer Hutchins High School as principal. He became an icon during his tenure, holding his status as principal for over thirty (30) years. A life-long learner, "Matt", as he was affectionately called, returned to college to pursue his Master's degree, graduating in 1972 from Prairie View A & M University near Houston, Texas. The Campbell family swelled with pride as he became the first person to earn a Master's Degree. "Matt" Campbell earned the respect of all with whom he interfaced as he consistently increased students' self-esteem, and raised the academic proficiency of his staff while educating all students. He didn't tolerate sagging, profanity, and tardiness, yet he loved his students and colleagues. That love was reciprocated. He demanded respect, and he didn't tolerate disrespect from anyone. If those cheeks swelled more than they already were, rest assured one was about to experience an "old school" way of discipline. He taught his students and staff to be the best; consequently "Hutch" became a powerhouse both on and off the field. Excellence in the quality of instruction, increased student achievement, and respect for self and others were a part of Hutch's core beliefs. He and his loving wife, Frances, worked side by side while serving the Lord in various congregations. They remained faithful until his health failed; however, their belief in our awesome God never waivered. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Valencia Evett Campbell, parents, siblings; Armaline Roy, Williams Campbell, Martha Fry, Langston Campbell and Elliott Raymond Campbell. Secure in seeing "Matt" again in the Resurrection remain his cherished wife, Willie Frances, Dallas, TX; two daughters, Sonia C. McGary (Carl), Mansfield, TX, and Carla Campbell King, Dallas, TX; granddaughter, Ilany Biton, Kiriat Bialik, Israel; two grandsons, Matthew Raphael Pleasant and Joshua C. King, both of Dallas; three sons, Larry Littlejohn, Ft. Worth, Paul Wayne Campbell, San Diego, CA, and Vic White, Houston, TX; one brother, Julius Campbell (Ella Mae), nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.