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Winton Grier Campbell Jr.

February 10, 1940 - April 18, 2021

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Obituary For Winton Grier Campbell Jr.

Colonel Winton Grier Campbell, Jr. of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Sunday April 18. Col. Campbell, who went by Grier, was 81 and is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Anne Porterfield Campbell; daughter Debra Anne Campbell West of Durham, NC; son Michael Grier Campbell, daughter-in-law Karen, and grandchildren Sienna, Nathaniel, and Ethan Campbell of Brisbane, Australia.

Grier was the son of the late Winton Grier (Bill) and Eleanor Mae Gormly Campbell and was predeceased by his brother Raymond Erl Campbell, Sr. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Grier was a 1958 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School and a 1962 graduate of Furman University where he began his military career in the R.O.T.C. program.

After graduating from Furman, Grier was commissioned into the U.S. Army where he served honorably for 25 years. Grier served in the Military Police (MP) Corps and rose to the rank of Colonel before retiring in 1987. His varied military career included serving two tours in Vietnam. The first was in 1965 - 1966 when he led a unit of 13 man-dog security teams stationed throughout the country. He served in Vietnam again in 1970 - 1971 as a security advisor stationed in Saigon.

Other military posts Grier held included Operations Officer with the Criminal Investigation Division in Mannheim, Germany; Provost Marshal (Chief of Police) of Ft. Eustice and Ft. Story, Virginia; and Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Military District of Washington, DC. During his military career, Grier received numerous decorations and medals including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (4), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Parachutist Badge, and Overseas Service Bars (2).

Grier was nominated to attend the U.S. Army Command General Staff College and graduated in 1972. He was also selected to attend the FBI National Academy training program for law enforcement professionals, which he completed in 1977.

After his military retirement, Grier and his family moved to Raleigh, NC, and he worked for ten years in the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. He served in various roles there, including as a Community Service Coordinator.

Grier was a loving and devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather. When his children were involved in sports or other activities, he was there supporting it, even coaching Mike's soccer team for several seasons. When his wife Mary Anne started a craft business in 1984, Grier began woodworking, cutting out wooden ornaments for her business. He enjoyed fishing and coin collecting, and when he retired from the state in 1999, he enjoyed finding and repairing antique furniture for Mary Anne's business. Grier cared for his mother-in-law, who lived with his family for more than a decade, and his mother when she moved from Jacksonville, Florida, to an assisted living home in Raleigh in 2017. He and Mary Anne enjoyed their travels to Australia and Hawaii to see Mike and his family. His three grandchildren were the source of much joy in Grier's later years.

In 2007, Grier was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He maintained a positive attitude and "soldiered through" without complaint even as his illness progressed. Grier truly embraced the M.P. Corp's motto: "assist, protect, and defend" and lived a life of quiet faith, dedicated to the service of others.

A service in honor of Grier's life will be held on Monday, April 26, beginning at 11 am at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh, NC. Following the funeral, a burial service will take place at Oakwood Cemetery, 701 Oakwood Ave, Raleigh, NC. The services will be live streamed and recorded. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Grier to the Parkinson's Foundation or the American Legion. (or by check to the American Legion Post #124, PO Box 1002, Apex NC 27502-1002).

Services

26 Apr

Memorial Service

11:00 AM

Renaissance Funeral Home 7615 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »
26 Apr

Graveside Service

12:30 PM

Historic Oakwood Cemetery 701 Oakwood Avenue Raleigh, NC 27601 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • June 05, 2022

    Grier and I were friends when we were students at Furman University -- one of the finest and nicest men I ever knew. My condolences go to his wife and family. There's no doubt that he is well and happy in Heaven.

  • April 27, 2021

    Such a good man. Knew him from elementary to Robert E Lee. Thanks to the family for streaming the funeral service. Best to all the Campbell Family. William E. Ross - Class of 1958 Robert E Lee

  • April 21, 2021

    Loved this man. So glad we got to visit him in his later years. Marthabelle and EW Rabon

  • April 21, 2021

    Grier was a great servant leader and loyal Furman KA brother. Bob Thompson Furman '60

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