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By Charlotte Smith

In January of this year the Elizabethtown Town Council received a request for a resolution of support to the NC Board of Transportation to name North Carolina Highway 87 Bypass in honor of Mr. Mac Campbell, Jr., an Elizabethtown native.

Danny Devane, presentation to the Elizabethtown Board on behalf of the NCDOT

Mr. Danny DeVane, retired Chief Secretary of NCDOT, made the request in person according to a previous BladenOnline report. DeVane stated at the council meeting that Campbell is “most deserving of this recognition for all he has done for Elizabethtown, Bladen County and the State of North Carolina.” The local council approved the resolution of support.

Today, Thursday, May 2 the NCDOT announced the resolution to name the NC-87 Bypass from NC-41 to NC-87 in Bladen County as the Mac Campbell Jr Highway.

Boy Scout Troop 600 Leader, Elizabethtown Dixie Youth League President, and former Bladen County Commissioner, Mark Gillespie spoke about Campbell’s leadership in the community.

Gillespie commended Campbell’s character stating, “Growing up with his boys I’ve always respected him. You never hear him say anything bad. He is a gentle giant,”

Campbell earned his Eagle Scout years ago in Troop 600, the same Boy Scout Troop Gillespie leads now.

“Mr. Campbell has always supported Dixie Youth, Boy Scouts and Bladen County as a whole. He is always thinking of others.”

Gillespie explained, the name of the Newkirk Field at the Elizabethtown ball field was Campbell’s idea. “Campbell is never forceful, he just makes friendly suggestions,” Gillespie said.

Hayes Petteway, Elizabethtown resident, retired banker, and long time friend of Campbell who served with Campbell on the Elizabethtown Airport Economic Development Commission and the Bladen We Care board explained why the recognition for Campbell was well deserved.

“Mac was a great advocate for our district during his years on the NC Board of Transportation. Mac has been a tremendous leader in our county for many years,” Hayes stated.

Hayes noted the many civic and community accomplishments Campbell has made throughout the years.

Roland McKoy, currently Headmaster of Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy, former Assistant Superintendent and former Interim Superintendent for Bladen County Schools remarked on Campbell’s commitment and dedication to the community.

McKoy said, “Mr. Campbell has been a blessing to our school community and our community as a whole.”

The Paul R. Brown Leadership Academy has benefited greatly from Campbell’s generosity. McKoy stated, “Without him we wouldn’t have a school today. He has supported us 210%.”

Campbell saw the disarray of the school’s gym, listened to their needs and then took action, according to McKoy. Campbell sent his company to fix the lights, the gym and even helped with the gas when the school could not afford the fuel.

McKoy explained Campbell’s concern and commitment. Campbell’s support and scholarships to the students has been a great impact on the lives of the students.

McKoy said, “I can’t say enough, anything we needed he has helped provide.”

Eddie Madden, Town of Elizabethtown Manager, said, Mr. Campbell has not only made a tremendous impact on our highway systems, but has made a positive impact in every aspect of our community. We are very grateful for him.”

Madden added, “There is no one more deserving of the honor than Mr. Campbell.”

View the copy of the resolutions here: Mac Campbell Jr Resolution_02

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Related articles:

https://bladencounty.org/elizabethtown-town-council-supports-naming-highway-in-honor-of-mac-campbell-jr/

https://bladencounty.org/campbell-oil-celebrating-70-years/

https://bladencounty.org/campbell-oil-company-helping-with-relief-efforts-after-hurricanes/