Floyd J. (Corky) Campbell, my friend and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Community Bible Study, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 23, 1997.
Proverbs 3:5-6 truly describes Corky's life from my perspective. He was a man who took most things, business and personal, to the Lord in prayer. He would wait upon the Lord faithfully, trusting that God would guide his steps. His heart's desire was to give honor and praise to Christ.
Corky and his wife, Lee, as many of you know, were used by the Lord to found Community Bible Study in 1975. Currently there are over 60,000 members who attend each week, along with 14,000 pre-school children. There are over 450 classes in operation in the United States and hundreds more around the world through CBSI, our international affiliate.
As a servant of the Lord, Corky was a very gifted and talented man who was involved in many endeavors. I would classify him as a "visionary." He was a pioneer of the credit card, started one of the first computer service centers in the country, and became an expert in mass marketing. In 1973 he founded his own business in mass marketing and membership development, serving as President of Membership Services Group, Inc. until his death.
He firmly believed that business and God's work should not be separated. Businessmen and women's lives should provide the "salt and light" in this dark world.
Corky was one of the most gentle, patient, kind, and unassuming individuals I have ever known. He was truly "transparent" in every aspect of his life. Yet he possessed great perseverance, competitiveness, and a zeal for excellence.
Though he was a great competitor he had a big and caring heart. He loved sports, especially basketball and tennis. In his infamous, worn-out tennis shoes, he would melt his opponents. Yet he always used this time to witness for our Lord.
His vision was to have a growing and thriving business, led by godly men and women, that would provide continued support to CBS, CBSI, and other ministries as it reaches out to all people of the world.
Corky's desire for CBS as we approach the 21st century was that we stay the course and not conform to the ways of the world. His challenge was to keep our focus on Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.
We will greatly miss the wisdom of our dear friend and servant. We extend our love and support to Lee, his much loved wife for over 46 years, and his six wonderful children.
In honor of Corky Campbell and others who have been in CBS and who are now with the Lord, may we continue to commit ourselves to grow in Christ and to seek to make disciples for Him in our communities.
Days before Corky passed away, he
shared with me how unworthy he felt to meet our Lord.
Yet here was a man who dedicated his life, as much as
he was able, to serving Him. His life verse, he confided,
was Psalm 19:14:
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my
heart be pleasing in your sight. 0 Lord, my rock and
my redeemer."
We thank God for Corky's life and how
this "gentle giant" sought to walk his talk. Surely God
will use the vision and commitment Corky had for CBS to
continue to impact the lives of many around the world.
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the
word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8).
William T. McElmurray
Vice
Chairman of the Board of Trustees