The VMD family is deeply saddened by the passing of Ronald “Ronnie” Campbell.
Ronnie Campbell
Campbell died April 30 at 77 following a brief battle with cancer. The Keysville, Va., native is survived by his wife of 47 years, Wanda Campbell; a daughter, Janet Canaday; a son, Scott Campbell; and four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Campbell’s name has long been synonymous with safety and training within the electric cooperative world. He had distinguished career with the VMD Association, where he served for more than 20 years as vice president of safety and training.
Richard G. Johnstone Jr., former CEO of the VMD Association, said Campbell will be sorely missed and never forgotten. “Ron Campbell was not only an outstanding safety professional, but he was also an outstanding human being. Ron has saved countless lives thanks to his counseling of lineworkers and conducting of safety classes and field inspections, and all the other things he did, every day, to allow lineworkers to go home safely to their families at night.”
After leaving the Association, Ron worked for Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, where he dedicated five years to enhancing the safety program. He retired from MEC on Jan. 31, 2019, giving his final 10-7 on video.
“Ron left a lasting impression on everyone here and on our safety culture because he treated every employee, whether line crew members or office staff, as if they were the most important person in the organization,” said MEC President and CEO John C. Lee Jr. “That’s Ron’s legacy… his success as a teacher and safety professional were built on the fact that he cared so much for all of us. Rest in Peace Gentle Giant.”
Campbell and his family were members of Sharon Baptist Church, in Blackstone, Va., where the family will receive friends on Saturday, May 7, from 4 p.m. until start of services at 5 p.m. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for Ron’s family during this very difficult time.