Those who knew Craig Campbell, a fixture in Arkansas politics and business, say he was a hardworking man known for his outgoing personality, confidence and warmth.
Paul Berry, a friend who worked with him in Senator John L. McClellan's office, said that his time working for the late senator encapsulated what Campbell was like as a person.
"Senator McClellan, in a campaign many years ago, said 'What are people saying about me, Craig?' Then Craig said, 'Senator they're saying you haven't thanked the people enough,'" according to Berry. "It hurt McClellan to hear that, but he said, 'You wouldn't tell me that if it weren't true.'
"From that day forward, I don't ever remember McClellan giving another speech without him beginning with 'I want to thank the people for keeping me in the United States Senate. It's their office, not mine," Berry said.
Campbell died on Nov. 9 in Little Rock at the age of 76.
Born in Helena, Campbell graduated from Helena Central High School in 1966 then attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. After graduating college in 1971, Campbell began working for McClellan. This started Campbell's journey in Arkansas Democratic politics.
Campbell was the executive director of the Arkansas Democratic Party at a time when the party dominated the state. He worked to get President Jimmy Carter elected in the 1970s and aided President Bill Clinton in his early days as a politician. In the 1980s, he became more involved in Republican politics, and he remained involved in politics until his death.
U.S. Sen. John Boozman, a Republican, knew Campbell personally, underscoring his connections across the state, regardless of party.
"Cathy and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Craig Campbell, Sr. and are praying for his wife, Elizabeth, their loved ones and friends. We deeply appreciated his friendship, kindness and generosity to us and so many others," Boozman said. "As a son of the Delta, he was a loyal and effective advocate for the region as well as Arkansas more broadly. We are grateful for his many contributions to our state."
In 1976, Campbell began working for the Stephens family businesses. Eventually he would become a chairman of The Stephens Group, a private equity fund founded by Witt Stephens. Campbell also served as a trustee for the University of Arkansas, chair of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and a member of the UAMS Stephens Spine Center Board of Trustees.
The Delta native had a passion for hunting, according to Archie Schaffer III, a good friend of his. In fact, Campbell would travel thousands of miles for his hobby and very little could stop him from hunting, Schaffer said.
"He was hunting for mountain lions on the back of a mule out in New Mexico, and he got thrown off the mule and rolled off the side of a mountain. He got all banged up, as you might expect," said Schaffer. "But that didn't slow him down long. As soon as he recovered from the accident he was back hunting again."
Berry, who was friends with Campbell for over five decades, echoed Schaffer's sentiments, adding that Campbell had a passion for his friends.
"He was one of the most loyal people I've ever known," he said. "If he ever became your friend, he stayed your friend."