Eugene "Tony" Campbell, 85, of Riceville, died early Sunday morning, Sept. 24, 2017, at his home.

He was an outgoing, goal-oriented person. If he would imagine it, he would do it - anything from photography to raising bullfrogs in Florida. No matter what it was, Tony could do or build just about anything.

After serving in the U.S. Navy; he was employed with the motion picture industry, Local 44, IATSE, as a set builder in Los Angeles, Calif., : for more than 32 years. During that time, he built several props for various TV series, including "Bonanza," "Hardcastle and McCormick," "Murder She Wrote," "The A-Team, "Touched by An Angel" and "Little House on the Prairie."

While working at the studios, he became good friends with Michael Landon, whom Tony said "was friendly to everyone and was a super nice guy." He also had the opportunity to play chess with John Wayne.

Still, his lifetime dream was to own a farm. After his retirement, he and Jean moved to Riceville in 2013. Until the time of his sickness, he was living his dream, planting trees, working in the garden and on the farm. Before his sickness, he attended Eastanallee Baptist Church.

Born in Bristol, Tenn., to the late Elige and Gracie Dugger Campbell, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Clarence F. Campbell, Paul L. Campbell and Ernest G. Campbell.

Survivors include his loving wife and best friend for more than 63 years, Jean Greene Campbell of Riceville; his sister, Louise Bammon of Bristol; his very special cats, Tom Bell and Motor Campbell; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Ziegler Funeral Home with Pastor Guinn Green officiating. Burial with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27, in 1 Chattanooga National Cemetery:

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home prior to the service!

If you are unable to attend the visitation or funeral service, sign the online registry at www. zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Riceville Cemetery Fund, cl o SouthEast Bank, P.O. Box 1806, Athens, TN 37371, or to the charity of your choice.

Ziegler Funeral Home of Athens has been entrusted with the care o Eugene "Tony'' Campbell