Doak was a widower with two children when he married Edna Simmons. He was originally from Scott Co., Arkansas.

Doak was President of Central College in AK; Executive Secretary of AK Baptist Convention, Dean of Peabody College Graduate School, Director of Field Survey Division of Peabody College, President of Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, First President of Florida State University and served for sixteen years, President of Baptist State Convention of FL. He has written many books, articles and studies. He is listed in Who's Who in America for lists of his publications and works and of other activities. Doak and Edna lived in Tallahassee, FL after retiring from FL State University. Doak continued his educational work through the Associated Consultants in Education, headquarters which he was co-owner and President.

To this day (2005) the Florida State University football stadium is named for him, the Doak Campbell Stadium.