The delightful musical melody of Wallis T. Campbell, Jr. faded into the sunny skies on January 3, 2020. His song began on August 24, 1947 in Vernon, Texas when he was born to Wallis T. Campbell, Sr. and Bessie Peggine (Fugate) Campbell.

This man, affectionately known as “Dub,” was a kind-hearted soul who spread his goodness around the world with his musical talents and passionate energy. His roots were in Oklahoma, where he was raised on a farm and developed a love for animals, especially horses. He enjoyed all the aspects of country life including riding horses, welding, fixing farm equipment and maintaining the property.

One of his favorite perks of living on a farm was flying kites in the open fields during the dormant seasons. This interest was passed down from his grandfather, who was skilled in making hand-crafted kites. Dub later owned a kite store in California where he discovered the joy of flying kites on the beach. Dub’s kite specialty was hyperkites, which are stacked, stunt kites. He launched a 12-stacked hyperkite one time that nearly swept him off the beach. Kite flying was a source of joy for Dub, but also a way of cherishing his grandfather’s memory.

Dub’s career was broad and eclectic due to his intelligence and wide-ranging interests. His first passion was music and he was skilled in playing the guitar, fiddle and harmonica. Dub played with several bands including “Stampede” and “Buckwheat.” He traveled all over the U.S. and Canada working and playing music. In addition to being a musician, he was a ham radio operator, a tool repairman, a leather worker, a gadget collector, and a fluent Spanish speaker. As a tool repairman, he worked for Reeves Power Tools and Repair and Black & Decker Service Repair Center while living in Nashville. He excelled in this intricate work. Behind the magnifying glasses, he would tediously work until it was perfect. As a leather worker, he crafted pistol holsters, among other things, which he would sell a gun shows. As a gadget collector, Dub always had the latest and greatest flashlight and ink pen. Dub spoke fluent Spanish which he began learning in high school and went on to take three years in college.

Dub was passionate in everything he did. While living in Tennessee he was active in the Davidson County Democratic Party serving as an elected Executive Committee Man. During a moment of awareness in his final days, he realized that it was the year 2020 and immediately wanted to get up and go cast his vote.

Dub may be gone, but the glow of his passion and vibrant life remains. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion and thoughtfulness. Dub’s life was like a song – full of beauty, magic and positive energy – and his melody will continue to warm the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Dub will be remembered by his sister Janette Ryan of Marble Falls, Texas; nieces Sandy Ryan of Marble Falls and Kim Huckabee and husband Chuck of Leander, Texas; great nieces Brandi Tillis and husband Levar, Jennifer Ravo and husband Dominic, and Bailey Huckabee; great nephew Dukky Ryan; great-great nieces and nephews Jakobi, Saniya, D.W. and Mark; and his best friend and cowgirl partner Nancy Guczwa along with many other beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, nephew Mark Ryan, and brother-in-law George Ryan.

Graveside service will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at Davidson Cemetery in Davidson, Oklahoma. Services are pending. An online guest registry may be signed at www.CremationAdvocates.net.

Dub’s care entrusted to Cremation Advocates by Putnam, 206 Avenue H, Suite 204, Marble Falls, Texas 78654. 830-798-8413

Enjoy a tribute to his music at:  https://youtu.be/RGnuOQ8vJBE