Fred Rainey Campbell

Fred Rainey Campbell, 90, of Paint Rock, passed away on September 15, 2017. Fred was born to Charles and Mary (DeBoice) Fast near Memphis, TN, on September 10, 1927. He and his siblings were later adopted by their stepfather, Ned Campbell. Fred grew up on a ranch near Paint Rock and was the salutatorian in his high school class, second only to the love of his life, Cora Ellen (Kay) Sims. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1950 and later earned a Masters degree in wool science from the University of Wyoming. Fred also proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy and later in the Air Force Reserves.

Fred made a living doing what he loved while leaving a lasting legacy in the wool and mohair industry. He began his career as a county extension agent and later worked as the manager of the Sonora Wool & Mohair Company during the peak of the wool and mohair industry. Fred was later named the executive director of the Mohair Council of America, which offered him the opportunity to help promote American mohair around the world. He was also the co-owner and manager of Southwestern Wool & Mohair in Eden. Throughout his career, he remained focused on raising the best fine wool Rambouillet sheep in the world.

Fred received many honors during his distinguished career, including an Award of Excellence from the Upper Colorado River Authority for his dedication and service as a Board Member from 1998-2009, the Fred Earwood Memorial Award from the Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers' Association in 1999, an American Wool Excellence Award from the American Sheep Industry in 2010, and, perhaps most notable, induction into the Texas Heritage Hall of Fame in 2006.

In 1950, Fred married his childhood sweetheart, Kay Sims. They were blessed with two sons, Bill and Scott, with whom Fred enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing football. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Paint Rock, where he helped with the church's upkeep and even restored the church's bell after it fell. An avid animal lover, Fred enjoyed feeding the turkeys and deer on the ranch and almost always had a pet dog or cat at his side.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Scott; and his brother, David. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Kay; sister, Bess Galt; son, Bill and wife Judy; grandchildren, Augustus Campbell and wife Jane; Jill Campbell Reed and husband Luke; John Campbell; Steven Campbell and wife Haley; and Doug Clark and wife Becky; six great-grandchildren, Evie and Simon Campbell; Sophie and Scarlett Reed; and Rollins and Caroline Campbell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 23, at 3:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Paint Rock.
Memorials may be sent to the First United Methodist Church of Paint Rock or Ballinger Home Health & Hospice.