Wray Campbell

Wray Campbell, 67, passed away suddenly on November 4, 2023 at his home in Versailles. He is remembered by his wife, Cheryl Campbell, his children Nick and Andy Campbell, his daughter-in-law Jamie Campbell, his grandchildren Lilly and Colton, his foster daughter Brittany Beeman, her husband Tyler Beeman and her children Kenlor, Rylee and Brandon, his sister Melinda Campbell, and two brothers David and wife Brenda and Brian and late wife Cindy, and many nieces and nephews. Wray will be missed, but he will never be forgotten. He was the real deal: a brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, farmer, mechanic, golfer, cook, educator, and coach. He was the kind of person worth getting to know as he spread joy, laughter and knowledge to anyone who took the time. He loved unconditionally and helped anyone and everyone he could. Wray was born and raised in Versailles, MO the son of Junior and Lois Campbell with 1 sister, Melinda, and 2 brothers, David and Brian. While growing up in Versailles, he attended Versailles High School where he participated in every sport he could, football, basketball, baseball, golf, and track and field. After high school he first attended Central Methodist University for a year, then transferred to Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State) where he received his bachelors in Physical Education. He moved back home to Versailles after college and then got his first teaching job at Tipton High School. There, his life would change forever. He met his wife Cheryl, who also taught at Tipton, and they got married on April 3, 1982. They would welcome their first son, Nick, in Jefferson City, MO on January 22, 1985. They eventually found jobs in a small town called Bourbon, MO. A couple years later they welcomed their second son, Andy, in Washington, MO on April 14, 1987. Wray and Cheryl would remain in Bourbon, educating, coaching and molding countless minds as teachers for several years until 1997. In 1997, Wray and Cheryl made the choice to move back to his hometown of Versailles. There, he continued to teach and coach in the Middle School. His favorite moments in life were coaching and watching his boys grow up and play sports, where they both had very successful high school sports careers. After both of his sons graduated, Wray and Cheryl were blessed with Brittany coming into the family, where she remained until she graduated high school. After 25 years of teaching and 10 years at Gates, he fully retired to work on the farm, play golf and focus full time on visiting his sons in Texas and Oregon. Before passing, Wray and Cheryl were making plans to move to Texas to be closer to his sons and enjoy watching their grandchildren grow. We must all find some peace knowing that our loved ones leave this world, but not our hearts and that Wray will remain a part of us all forever. Wray’s instilled his character, values and spirit within his children, and in turn, to his grandchildren. His legacy will live on through all of us. A celebration of Wray’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, November 10th, at the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home in Versailles with Pete Robinson officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Wray’s loving memory to an educational fund established for his grandchildren: Education Fund in Loving Memory of Wray Campbell, https://gofund.me/3b54ce54. Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Funeral Home of Versailles.

Wray Campbell

June 24, 1956 - November 4, 2023

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Wray Campbell

June 24, 1956 - November 4, 2023

About Us

What We Do

Contact KG/Locations

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

Contact Information

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