April 30, 2026, 83, Goldsboro – Command Master Chief William “Lou” Louis Campbell, 83, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Kingswood Reserve Senior Living in Clayton. Born on April 22, 1943 in Scioto County, Ohio, he was son to the late John Campbell and Violet Johnson Campbell.
A patriot and community leader of the highest order, Lou first volunteered for the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, beginning a distinguished career that spanned 30 years of total service to his country and the naval industry. A proud ‘bubblehead’ in the Submarine Silent Service, he earned his silver dolphins as a Machinist’s Mate, mastering the complex systems of the deep.
His leadership culminated in the Navy’s highest enlisted rank, where he served with distinction as the Command Master Chief Liaison for Mare Island, California. Lou’s technical legacy is etched into the history of the fleet; across three decades—both on active duty and later as a contractor for Newport News Shipbuilding—he was instrumental in the construction and maintenance of multiple Diesel and Los Angeles-class submarines. In this vital role, he acted as a critical bridge between the fleet and the shipyard, ensuring the operational readiness of the submarine force. Master Chief Campbell’s technical legacy is etched into the history of the fleet.
Over three decades—both on active duty and later as a contractor for Newport News Shipbuilding—he was instrumental in the construction and maintenance of multiple Diesel and Los Angeles-class submarines. From the era of diesel power to the height of the nuclear-powered fast attack fleet, his hands-on expertise helped shape the backbone of American naval power. He retired as a Command Master Chief, leaving behind a legacy of mentorship, technical mastery, and unwavering devotion to the ‘Silent Service’.
Upon completing his professional service, Lou’s dedication to others simply moved closer to home. For over 20 years, he was a pillar of the Bay Vista Townhome community in Benicia, volunteering as the Maintenance Coordinator and serving in nearly every leadership capacity on the Board, including President, Vice-President, and Liaison for Community Outreach. Whether he was overseeing improvements or advocating for his neighbors’ concerns, Lou applied the same ‘Master Chief’ level of care and integrity to his community that he once gave to his crew. He leaves behind a legacy of mentorship, technical mastery, and an unwavering devotion to service in all its forms.
“Sailor, rest your oars. Command Master Chief, we have the watch.”
Lou is survived by his sons, Christopher Zack Campbell and wife, Sherry, and Gregory Campbell and wife, Roxie; his grandchildren, Adriana Jackson, Austin Campbell, Dakota Campbell and Kylie Combs; his great-grandchildren, Bentley Jackson, Ava Jackson, William Beau Jackson, Jack Combs, Lucy Combs, Ellie Combs, Bodhi Campbell, Kai Campbell and Wiley Campbell; and several nieces and nephews he loved dearly.
In addition to his parents, Lou was preceded in death by his wife of 52 yrs, Dawn Mary Campbell.
A service with military honors to honor Lou will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Stovall officiating. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lou’s honor to, The United States Submarine Veterans Charitable Foundation, Inc. https://ussvcf.org/scholarship-fund/
Services have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremations Service.
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