Nuel Preston Campbell, 1928-2023

Mr. Nuel Preston Campbell, long time resident of Mineola, passed peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023 in Austin. He was born in Mineola on June 14, 1928 to Mamie S. and Roy S. Campbell.

After a happy childhood and graduation from MHS in 1945, he attended Commercial College in Tyler before joining the U.S. Navy in 1949. In 1951 his young wife, Tommie Jo Allen, joined him at his station in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii. Returning to Mineola in 1954, he worked alongside his parents at their appliance store on S. Johnson. Together they opened Campbell’s Dairy Way in 1959, where the family enjoyed more than 35 years of serving their community of loyal customers who became cherished friends. Other businesses he opened reflected his many interests and hobbies. He was a kind, generous and talented man, who could create, build or repair almost anything and would do so for anyone who asked. His greatest joys were doing for others and spending time with his family. He was a loving husband, a father who created the most magical childhoods for his children and grandchildren, and a devoted son who cared for his parents throughout their long lives. 

Preston is survived by his son, Danny Campbell of Garland and daughter, Debra Wooley (John); grandchildren, Austin Wooley and Katie Farkash (Frank); great-grandchildren, Ford and Lilly Farkash, all of Austin; along with many nieces and nephews who loved and admired their Uncle Preston. He was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife of 70 years.

Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 25, at 10 a.m. followed by service at 11 a.m. at Beaty Funeral Home in Mineola.