It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William James “Bill” Campion on September 6, 2024. Bill was born July 21, 1941 in El Paso, Texas to Harold and Mary Campion. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints since a young age. Bill will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.
Bill was a lifelong educator and never missed an opportunity to pass on his knowledge be it in the classroom, as an administrator, as a coach or as a basketball official. He was a mentor to many throughout his life and supported the furtherance of many careers of others. He valued his faith and family above all and took great pride in staying involved in both his children’s, and especially his grandchildren’s, lives. He was always interested in what they were up to, how they were doing in school and how their lives were going. His daily calls will be missed. In his Church, he served in many callings throughout his lifetime and enjoyed his interactions with both the adults and the youth. His life was characterized by his unwavering faith, diligent discipleship, selfless service, and championing of those who were often marginalized or overlooked.
Most recently, Dr. Campion served as President of Ranger College in Ranger, Texas until his retirement in 2022. Prior to Ranger College, Bill served as President of Eastern Oklahoma State College, Wilburton, Oklahoma, President of El Paso Community College District, El Paso, Texas, President of Central Florida Community College, Ocala, Florida, and President of Trinity Valley Community College, Athens, Texas.
Dr. Campion enjoyed success in his career and in his many avocations through his hard work and was recognized for excellence by a wide variety of organizations. Bill was recognized with the Crystal Apple Award by Tarlton State University to honor educators who have made a positive impact on the lives of students, National Junior College Athletic Association Lifetime Achievement Award, NJCAA Distinguished Service Award, Florida Community College Basketball Hall of Fame, Presidential Ambassador Phi Theta Kappa International, Bennett Distinguished College President Award, Person of the Year in Education in Central Florida, State of Florida Phi Theta Kappa Award, State of Texas Phi Theta Kappa Award, chosen as a Basketball Official for World University Games, Outstanding Community College President (Texas) and as a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M-Commerce.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of sixty-four years, Sharon Belcher Campion, daughters Carolyn Scott and husband Gary, Jackie Baccarini and husband Tony, Laura Green and Mary Anne Collins and husband Chuck. He is also survived by his sister, Gwen Mayer and his brother, Richard Campion and wife Judy. Surviving grandchildren; Corey Scott, Christopher Scott, Brayden Baccarini, Bryce Baccarini, Blair Baccarini Jeppesen, Seth Green, Will Green, Ryan Green, Sarah Green, Sidney Green, Grayson Collins and Cash Collins, 13 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
He is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Mary Campion, son-in-law Monte Green and brother-in-law Harvey Mayer.
Visitation will take place September 11, 2024, 6pm to 8pm, Lucas Funeral Home, Keller, Texas, offering an opportunity for those who knew Bill to share their memories with family and friends.
Funeral services to honor Bill’s life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Colleyville, Texas, September 12, 2024, 10:30 am. Friends and family are welcomed.
Following services, Bill will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Bourland Cemetery, Keller, Texas.
As we gather to bid farewell to William James Campion, Bill, Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle Bill, Dr. Campion, may we find solace in the memories we shared and the impact he had on our lives. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in our hearts for all eternity. His legacy of faith, leadership, love, kindness, and compassion will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family and those he served and for his forever gentleness of spirit. The family is grateful for the knowledge of the plan of salvation that will allow us to be reunited with him one day.
The family would like to thank the numerous friends and loved ones who enriched Bill’s life, especially during the last few months. The family would also like to thank the staff of Avalon and the team at Allstar Hospice for the care and compassion they provided.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made in honor of Bill’s memory to: The Ranger College Foundation for the Dr. William and Sharon Campion Scholarship, Ranger, Texas at https://www.rangercollege.edu/about-us/giving/index.php#gsc.tab=0. Alternatively, donations can be made to Phi Theta Kappa in Bill’s memory at Donate to Make your Mark (ptkfoundation.org)
