Former AGFC Commissioner Craig Campbell dies at 76

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Craig Dobbs Campbell Sr., who served as Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioner from 2006 to 2011, died on Saturday. He was 76 years old.

Campbell's term as a commissioner was a time of great change in the AGFC. He was appointed by then-Gov. Mike Huckabee, Campbell stepped in to fill the remaining term of John Benjamin of Glenwood, who had resigned.

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During his term of service, he created a committee system to revamp the way the commission functioned, modeling it after the way the Arkansas General Assembly operates. Campbell broke the commission into seven committees with different commissioners over each committee.

He also streamlined the AGFC Codebook, with a reduction in language and outdated regulations.

Campbell was born and raised in Helena and was a 1966 graduate of Helena Central High School. He then moved to Little Rock and was a 1971 graduate of Little Rock University, now known as UA Little Rock.

He made a name for himself in politics after graduation, serving as the executive director of the Arkansas Democratic Party, and working for former President Jimmy Carter.

On the last day of his chairmanship, Campbell was honored with the modification of Lake Conway's name to be officially changed to Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir, for his years of service and lasting commitment to the natural resources of Arkansas.

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Campbell was not the first AGFC commissioner in his family tree. His grandfather John Campbell was a commissioner from 1948 until he died in 1954.

"Craig Campbell made an indelible mark on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. From efforts to recognize our top employees through the Campbell Award to leading bold changes in regulations reduction, Craig's influence on the Commission will be felt for generations to come. His dedication and commitment to the Arkansas outdoors were evident in his life, both public and private," AGFC Director Austin Booth said. "Our prayers are with Elizabeth and the entire Campbell family during this difficult time."

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Campbell is survived by his wife of 42 years, Elizabeth Stephens Campbell, his three children and grandchildren.