Bruce William Campbell, 67, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Bruce was born November 15, 1958, at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was a 1977 graduate of John Marshall High School in San Antonio, Texas, and later attended the University of Arkansas. From a young age, Bruce had a deep interest in politics, which led him to a distinguished career in Arkansas state government.
Bruce served as Director of the Arkansas Department of Rural Services from 1999 to 2006 during the administration of Governor Mike Huckabee. Through his work, he developed lasting relationships with local and statewide leaders while helping support projects across Arkansas that improved daily life in communities throughout the state.
Bruce later brought his experience to the Arkansas Senate, where he served as a senior staff member and became a trusted presence around the Capitol. Known for his sharp political instincts and his unvarnished, often wry sense of humor, he was someone colleagues sought out for both counsel and conversation. His office was a place where people would stop in not just to talk policy, but to hear a story, get advice, and come away with both a laugh and something to think about.
He went on to serve in the administration of Governor Asa Hutchinson, beginning as part of the governor’s campaign team and his initial transition team in 2014. He then served as a senior advisor and Director of Boards and Commissions beginning in 2015, a role he held through 2021, contributing to the administration during a significant transition period in Arkansas government.
Earlier in his career, Bruce served as president of Total Systems in Waldron (1990 to 1992); vice president of Artex Energy Company in Muskogee, Oklahoma (1986 to 1989); president of Kiowa Transportation Company in Muskogee (1983 to 1986); and manager of Bronco Refining Company in Houston (1981 to 1983).
Bruce was a loving son, father, grandfather, and loyal friend. He was known for his quick wit, warm personality, and sharp sense of humor. He cherished time spent with his family and enjoyed traveling with friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lonnie Dean Campbell. He is survived by his mother, Jean Campbell of Fort Smith; his brothers, Scott Campbell (Annie) of Fort Smith and Philip Campbell of Mount Ida; and his three children: Joshua Campbell (Haley) of Carlisle, Ashley Golleher (Griffin) of Carlisle, and Courtney Baird (Duncan) of Bentonville. He is also survived by his nine beloved grandchildren: Lucy and Blake Golleher; Abigail, Claire, and Sarah Campbell; and Duncan, Henry, Campbell, and Benjamin Baird.
Family and friends will lay him to rest at Joplin Cemetery in Joplin, Arkansas, on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be held in the coming weeks in Little Rock, Arkansas.
For flower arrangements contact Hazen Flower & Gifts: 870-255-4611