Though short, he was the biggest man in the room. Franklin Campbell dies at 40

Franklin Campbell’s father was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the oldest and arguably most prestigious of Black college fraternities. His cousin became a member. Several other relatives were in the brotherhood.

But the decision to do something different was just a part of who Campbell was. He joined Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc., the newest and and smallest of Black Greek letter organizations. For years, Campbell was the only member in Missouri.

“Frank knew he didn’t fit in, so he never tried to. He was proud to be different and stand out,” says his cousin Anthony Boyer. “He was his own person, he wasn’t a follower, and he did things his own way.”

Campbell battled medical issues — spinal meningitis at age 4 and required a bone marrow transplant at age 7 — and his growth was stunted. Standing at 4-foot-11, Campbell may have been short in stature, but according to Boyer “it was his heart, not his height” that made him the biggest man in the room.

“I think because of his size and health issues he felt like he was going to have to outwork everyone. He was always a standup guy,” his cousin says.

Campbell, 40, died on April 9 from colon cancer. Boyer is sure many people will not only remember Campbell for his size or being the only Iota, but for his kind and gentle nature.

“He was very empathetic and down to earth. He was always there for you to lend a hand to help or an ear to listen to you,” says Boyer.

After he graduated from Missouri Western University with a bachelor’s degree in science, Campbell’s love of automobiles eventually led him to a career working for Ford Motor Co. However, his passion was photography and videography, first starting as a hobby and evolving into a part-time business. Boyer remembers his cousin’s long hours and dedication to teaching himself the craft, from video production to photo editing.

“His professionalism was second to none. He learned how to do everything on his own and built his own computer and was proud of his work,” Boyer says.

The turnout for the April 25 funeral was a testament to the lives Campbell touched. Stories of Campbell’s loving nature resounded from family and friends and fraternity brothers of Iota Phi Theta, for whom Campbell paved the way. Boyer was surprised to see members of Ford management come to speak at the service about the incredible asset Campbell was to the business.

“If you know anything about Ford, you know it is a huge company,” he said. “So for them to know him by his work just tells you how hard he was working.”

Friends and past classmates flooded social media with posts and stories of Campbell and his spirit that never quit.

“My feelings are so hurt. Franklin wasn’t just a client. I wasn’t just his barber … he was my friend.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. Franklin was a pioneer with videography. Another great man behind the camera gone to soon. Rest well Big Frank.”

“Franklin Campbell was someone who always believed in me and encouraged me. You always told me I was capable of ANYTHING and would have confidence in me when I didn’t have it in myself.”

“That really just made me so sad. Franklin Campbell believed in me every time … always did great work smh.”

He is survived by his parents, Frank and Ninette Campbell, brother Phillip Campbell and a host of cousins and friends.

Other remembrances

Marvin Grier

Marvin Grier, a veteran of World War II and father, died on April 18. He was 99.

Grier was born on Sept 6, 1923, in Newnan, Georgia. In 1941 he enlisted in the Army during World War II and was awarded the he European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

While enlisted, he worked as a short-order cook, construction foreman, armory supply clerk, and clerk-typist. After 40 years, Grier retired with the rank of master sergeant and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service.

He then worked for the U.S. Postal Service for the next 40 years.

Grier will be remembered as a person who loved to fish, bowl, work with his hands and have cookouts with family.

He is survived by his wife, Faye Grier, and his daughter Ruby Grier-Banks.

Cedric Mack

Cedric Mack, a retired mechanic, died on April 14. He was 63.

Mack was the sixth child born to Grimme and Alice Mack on April 25, 1959, in Kansas City. Mack attended Westport High School and later obtained his GED.

Mack met his future wife, Delores, when they were both young children. Their friendship became a romance as they got older. The couple were married in 1982 and had three children.

His father taught him a multitude of practical skills, such as carpentry, plumbing, yard work, and, most importantly, working on cars. This passion for auto work became the start of a lifelong career as a mechanic. After working years for Ford Motor Co., Mack decided to open his own business, Mack’s Auto Shop. Mack will be remembered as a hard worker, a loving father and a great husband.

He is survived by his mother, Alice Mack; four children, Tiffany, Dale, Ashley and Kendall Mack; along with a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.