Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Ralph “Buddy” Campbell Jr., 85, a lifelong resident of Edgewater and Annapolis, died August 10, 2023 of natural causes at Hospice of the Chesapeake in Severna Park, MD. Buddy was born on January 10, 1938 in Annapolis, MD to the late Ralph Earle and Helen Elvear Campbell. He grew up with his five siblings in Bay Ridge, swimming and crabbing off the family pier on the Chesapeake Bay. Buddy graduated from Annapolis High School in 1956, attended the University of Maryland, served in the Army, and returned to work in the family beer business.  

He worked for his father at Campbell Distributing, a company he eventually took over. After he sold the family business in 1987, Buddy stayed in the beer industry, working for other distributing companies until his retirement. He enjoyed working local festivals, including the Seafood Festival and especially the Maryland Renaissance Festival, which he was part of for over 30 years. 

Buddy was the definition of a waterman. His favorite times were early mornings spent on his boat crabbing and fishing on the South River. Rain or shine, help or no help, Buddy would be out on that water during crabbing or fishing season. Buddy was an enthusiastic sports fan. He was an avid supporter of the Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore Colts, and Baltimore Ravens. If a sporting event was occurring, it was playing on his TV. 

Buddy married his wife, Joy, in 1961 and settled down in Southdown Shores in Edgewater, MD. He was a proud family man. Anyone who knew him knew how much he loved his children and grandchildren. He spent his retirement happily as “Pop,” surrounded by the love of his four granddaughters. Buddy was fiercely loyal. He cared deeply about his friends and was the guy who would give you the shirt off his back with no questions asked.

Buddy is predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Catherine “Joy” Hays Campbell. He is survived by his daughter Julie (Duane) Gels; his two sons Rick Campbell and Danny (Dina) Campbell; and his four granddaughters Sarah, Rachel, Laura, and Catherine. 

There are no formal services planned. However, in typical Buddy style, a casual celebration of life will be held at O’Loughlin’s Restaurant and Pub (1258 Bay Dale Dr. Arnold 21012) on Sunday, August 20, 2023 from 3pm-5pm. Please stop by to reminisce, listen to his favorite music, and have one last round on Buddy. 

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Ralph E. Campbell, Jr.

Ralph E. Campbell, Jr.

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