An Inspiring Neighbor

I enjoyed Danny Duncan Collum’s article “Passing of a Prophet” (September-October 2013) about my former neighbor, Will Campbell. Our family lived just down the road from Will and his wife in Mt. Juliet, Tenn., in the ’80s and ’90s. I had a high regard for him, but I was in awe of Will and spoke to him rarely—although I am pleased and proud to own his signed books.

After his death, my daughter was amazed to learn about Will’s role in the civil rights struggles. I did not realize what a “Redneck, White Socks, and Blue Ribbon Beer” celebrity he’d been at some cost of local knowledge of his previous role. Thank you for your thoughtful and appreciative article about this man who helped form my thoughts and attitudes toward religion and social justice by just living “down the road” and following his calling.        

Janet Pierce
Danville, Kentucky