In Loving Memory of William Joseph Campbell

“Billy” • “Will”

February 1, 1962 – October 18, 2026

William Joseph Campbell, lovingly known as “Billy” and “Will,” age 64, was born on February 1, 1962, in Canonsbury, Pennsylvania, to Victoria Campbell and William Raymond Campbell. He earned his wings on October 18, 2026, at home, surrounded by the love of his life and our beloved dogs, Sherman and Brody.

Billy was supposed to be a “Junior,” except for one thing: his middle name was different. In many ways, that suited him perfectly because Billy was always his own person. Later, he chose to go by “Will,” a name that seemed to capture something important about who he was. He had the will to overcome the challenges he faced throughout his life, and God blessed him with the strength and determination to do so.

Billy lived a varied and interesting life. His work included analytics, retail, serving as a trauma technician, and working as an airplane mechanic. Of all his professional experiences, his work at McDonnell Douglas was especially rewarding to him. It gave him the opportunity to use his hands and tools to make something that helped others. It was also there that he met his best work partner and dear friend, Sara Schillings.

Billy also had a creative side. He attended art school in Pittsburgh and earned an associate degree. He could work with his hands, think creatively, and find ways to turn ordinary moments into special memories.

Perhaps Billy’s greatest strength was his desire to help people. He volunteered at several food banks, work that brought him great joy. He loved making people smile, sometimes even at his own expense. If a little silliness could make someone else happy, Billy was usually willing to be part of it.

He also had a special way of making family occasions unforgettable. For one family celebration, Billy spent weeks making actual coconut bras and grass skirts because he wanted the occasion to be special. That was Billy. He was willing to put in the time and effort, and occasionally look a little ridiculous, if it meant bringing laughter and happiness to the people he loved.

I will always remember when Billy met my parents, John and Hattie O'Neal. They embraced him completely. My mom cherished Billy as a son, and that love and acceptance helped make him stronger. Over the years, my family became his family, and together we created memories that I will carry with me forever.

Billy also gave me something that will remain with me for the rest of my life.

He inspired me to write my book.

Writing a book was something I had wanted to do for years, but I never seemed to pick up the laptop and begin. Billy would not let me give up on it. No matter how many times I put it off, he kept pushing me and encouraging me to write. When I finally told him the potential name of the book, he laughed and said, “Perfect.”

Now, finishing that book will mean even more to me because part of Billy will always be in its pages.

Billy is survived by his five siblings: Cheryl Sumner and her husband, Mike; Joe Meneskie and his wife, Slavka; Wally Campbell; David Campbell and his wife, Debbie; and John Campbell and his wife, Mary Ann.

He is also survived by my brothers, John O'Neal and his wife, Liz; Bert O'Neal and his wife, Sharon; and Ty O'Neal and his wife, Gracie. They were part of the extended family Billy came to know, love, and share his life with.

Billy is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins on both sides of our families, all part of the larger family circle that meant so much to him.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Victoria Campbell and William Raymond Campbell, as well as my parents, John and Hattie O'Neal, and my sister, Bessie. My family embraced Billy as one of their own, and that love and acceptance meant a great deal to him.

Billy and I had years together that I will forever cherish. There are simply too many memories to fit into an obituary: the laughter, the difficult days we made it through together, the ordinary moments that now seem extraordinary, and the countless ways he made life more interesting simply by being himself.

I will remember Billy not only for the work he did or the challenges he overcame, but for the person he was.

He wanted to help people.

He wanted to make people smile.

He wanted the people he loved to feel special.

And through all the challenges life placed before him, Will always found the will to keep going.

His strength, humor, creativity, kindness, and most of all his love will remain with me always.

Rest in peace, love, and strength, my love. Thank you for giving me so many wonderful years together and for the love and happiness we shared with Sherman and Brody.

You earned your wings, Billy. You will always be loved, and you will always be with me.