Long time radio personality Rick Campbell being laid to rest Wednesday

The community is mourning the death of long time Williamsburg radio personality Rick “The Nature Boy” Campbell, who was a virtual institution in the town where he spent more than 20 years on the air.

“I, and the whole city, mourn Rick’s passing. There are way too many things he was involved in to narrow down,” noted Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison. “But personally, I’ll always remember our times on the radio together from our days of Coffee with the Coaches to the Fourth of July celebrations at the waterpark. Maria and I will be praying for strength for his family. He will be missed. RIP Rick.”

Ricky Campbell, 58, of Williamsburg and formerly of Knott County, died Saturday in Laurel County while on a hike with his wife, Alma Campbell, that they had planned for weeks, according to a Facebook post by his son, Jamie Campbell.

“During that hike, my Dad became ill and passed away next to his best friend and love of his life. Our family appreciates the outpouring of love and condolences. We also appreciate the help and assistance of the Laurel County Rescue Squad, the Laurel County Sheriff’s Department, and two motorcyclists that helped with the efforts. Rick Campbell is our hero and a friend to so many. He will be missed,” Jamie Campbell posted on his father’s Facebook page Sunday.

A celebration of life for Rick Campbell will be held at the Hindman Funeral Services Chapel at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, with Jamie Campbell officiating.

Burial will follow at the Smith Cemetery in Leburn.

Rick Campbell first came to Williamsburg in 1993. He started working at Whitley Broadcasting, which includes WEZJ and WEKC (We Rock) radio stations, in 1997.

He was a morning host on We Rock and a mid-day host on The Country Giant. In addition, he broadcast both Williamsburg and Whitley County high school sports.

“Rick made a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was a special person,” noted Whitley Broadcasting owner David Estes. “He was one of the smartest and most talented people I had ever met. He could master almost anything. And he was the best radio guy I had ever been around. He was a friend that I will miss dearly.”

Co-worker Kip Jervis noted on WEZJ’s Tuesday morning Live Wire broadcast that he never heard Campbell say a cross word about anyone.

“He was just always upbeat. The guy could fix anything. He was the type of guy you could sit him out on a rock in the middle of the ocean and he could make it. He didn’t worry about anything or he didn’t let it show if he did. The loss here is very great,” Jervis noted.

Frequent Whitley County sports broadcasting partner Dave Lennon lamented the loss of his friend in a Facebook post Saturday.

“He was an all around great guy, and probably one of the smartest men I have ever met. There was pretty much nothing he didn’t dabble in from woodworking to computers to rebuilding car engines. He was the consummate professional on the radio and made me better on every broadcast. There are very few people in this world who cannot be replaced. Rick was one of them. Rest In Peace my friend, and may God bless and keep you and your family,” Lennon wrote.

Williamsburg Independent School District officials released a statement Saturday noting that they were saddened by Campbell’s passing.

“Rick served for many years as the color analyst for Yellow Jacket football and was a fixture at Friday night football games and those who followed our football program through the radio. Rick was one of a kind and a genuine supporter of our school. Our thoughts and prayers are with Alma, Jamie, Todd, and the entire Campbell family,” the statement read.