Bill Campbell Bio

BILL CAMPBELL (1925-2010)

Article by Tony Sortino

 SCOH has been very fortunate to have included among its members some truly outstanding individuals.  One of these was Bill Campbell.

 Following an impressive career in the U.S. Navy as a naval aviator, which included flying almost every type of aircraft (including lighter than air) and culminated in his assignment as Captain of the USS Independence aircraft carrier, Bill decided to embark on a new career as a lawyer.  In a move that proved extremely fortunate for SCOH, Bill chose to come to Houston to attend South Texas College of Law.  Shortly after beginning his studies, he joined SCOH in 1980.  Despite the grueling schedule of a law student, he still found time to serve as one of the Club Instructors.  This was just the beginning of Bill’s ongoing contributions to the members of SCOH.

 After completing law school and earning his Doctor of Jurisprudence, Bill capitalized on his vast knowledge of aircraft and had a very successful career as an aviation attorney.  While he was engaged in his second career, he remained extremely active with SCOH as an Instructor, a Board member and Flight Safety Officer.  One of Bill’s hobbies was working with audio/video equipment.  As with all of his endeavors, Bill was very good at it.  He used the skills he developed to give presentations all over Houston to promote soaring and membership in SCOH.  He also invited members of SCOH to his home in the Woodlands to view movies and soaring videos in his very impressive media room.  The members were also treated to gracious hospitality by Bill’s lovely wife, Ana.

 When SCOH moved from the Hempstead Airport to the property north of Waller in 1995, Bill was very instrumental in developing the flight protocols to be used at the new gliderport.  Although it was not widely known among the members, Bill purchased and donated to SCOH the mobile home that was used for many years as our club house until the construction of the fantastic new club house that was built in 2008.  It was a much appreciated and timely gift when Club finances were very strained.

 After Bill retired from the active practice of law, he decided to take on the task of organizing weekday flying at the field.  He took it upon himself to beg and cajole tow pilots to donate their time during the weekdays to provide a few hours of towing.  Bill would then come out to the gliderport to act as flight operations officer for the weekday flying that he had arranged.  Many a student was also able to receive instruction from him on weekdays.  He also held many weekend ground school sessions so members could conveniently satisfy their BFR requirements.  Then he would gladly fly with a member during the weekdays for their BFR flights.

 With all the many and valuable contributions made by Bill to SCOH, what we miss most is the friendship and the seemingly endless hanger flying stories he told.  Whether it was flying fighter planes off of carrier decks in WWII or flying jets in Viet Nam, any aviation enthusiast couldn’t help but be enthralled by the retelling of his adventures.  Many thanks, old friend, for the selfless donation of your many talents, your time and your friendship.