Douglas Campbell, Jr.

Douglas Campbell, Jr., affectionately known by his family as "Red," passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 20, 2025. Douglas was a resident of Ewing for his entire life.

He was 80 years old. Born on May 21, 1945, Douglas was educated in the Ewing Township Public Schools and graduated from Ewing High School in 1963, where he was an athletic standout in football and track. He went on to attend Central State University (Ohio) in 1964 before honorably serving his country in the United States Army for three years.

Douglas served his country with honor during the Vietnam War. He completed a tour of duty in the Republic of Vietnam, where he served in two combat units: the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and the 9th Infantry Division, deployed from Fort Riley, Kansas. He was honorably discharged in 1968 and awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat. His bravery and commitment to service remained a defining part of his legacy. He was a proud lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

In 1968, Douglas began a long and respected career with the New Jersey Department of Corrections, working at New Jersey State Prison in Trenton. He served with distinction for 33 years, retiring in 2001 as a Senior Corrections Officer. During his tenure, he was also a lifetime member of PBA Local 105, Trenton, NJ. Post-retirement, Douglas continued his security career for seven years as a member of the security staff at Merrill Lynch Corporation, Hopewell, NJ.

Douglas was a former member of both the Second Calvary Baptist Church in Hopewell, NJ and El-Bethel Baptist Church of Trenton, NJ.

Douglas Campbell, Jr., "Red" to those who knew and loved him best will be remembered for his vibrant spirit, sense of humor, and his love of music and dance. From a young age, he and his and his sisters learned all the latest dance moves and often held dance parties in their family home. Whether it was the newest line dance or a classic favorite, Red never missed a beat, he loved to dance and brought joy to every gathering with his rhythm, energy, and infectious smile: he especially loved the music of Chaka Khan, Cameo, jazz, and house music, whose funk and soul-filled soundtracks were often he backdrop to his smooth moves.

In his free time, Douglas enjoyed weigh training, custom and antique cars, and traveling extensively, both domestically and internationally. His zest for life was matched by his curiosity for the world and the people in it.

Douglas was known for being a devoted family man who deeply cherished those who were closest to him. He made it a point to show up whether it was a celebration, mile- stone, or family gathering with unwavering support and love. His presence was felt and remembered at every event, and the stories shared by those who knew him best are filled with warmth, pride, and laughter. He was truly proud of the family he belonged to and that pride radiated in every conversation and every moment he spent with them. His legacy lived on in countless memories held by those who were blessed to call him theirs.

Douglas was predeceased by his beloved parents, Douglas, Sr. and Lila Mae Harrison Campbell; his sister, Delores Campbell Stewart; his maternal grandparents, Archie, Sr. and Anne Harrison of Skillman, NJ; and his paternal grandparents, Houston Campbell and Beatrice Campbell Snipes.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted daughter, Hasana I. Campbell, and his precious granddaughter, Amirah Campbell Mohammad and family pet Biscotti. He is also survived by his loving sister, Dianne Watkins of Ewing; his brother-in-love, Clarence Stewart Sr of Ewing; nieces Tonya Stewart of Ewing, Leslie Ewing of Ewing, and Tina Stewart of Ewing, NJ; nephews Clarence Stewart, Jr. of Trenton, Tab T. Stewart of Alexandria, VA, and Sheldon Ewing of Ewing; His legacy lives on through his great-nieces and great-nephews Amber, Khadijah, Sasha, Marcus, Jared, Blake, Cameron, and Tristan; and great- great-nieces and nephews Santana, Nova, Malia, Kaison, Jace, and Valencia;

Douglas is also survived by his maternal aunt Jackie Smith; uncles Nelson Harrison and Herbert Harrison (Eva); and a host of cousins, relatives, and cherished friends. Douglas "Red" Campbell Jr. will be remembered for his strength, service, devotion to family, vibrant joy for life and his joyful presence on the dance floor. From the battlefield to the correctional facility his legacy of honor, laughter, rhythm from the dance floor backed by timeless sounds of dance music will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Funeral service will be 11am Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Ujima Christian Church, 1001 Pennington Rd, Trenton, NJ, 08618.  Calling hours will be 9am until the time of service. Interment will be 9am Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, Newtown, PA.  

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