Obituaries » Bruce Campbell

Bruce Campbell

June 14, 1947 - November 21, 2022

“….And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

  1. Bruce Campbell, 75, departed this earthly life on Monday, November 21, 2022. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all he met.

Bruce was born on June 14, 1947, in Lynchburg, Va. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hampton W. And Doris C. Campbell, and dear brother, Glen Campbell.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Beverly K. Campbell, with whom he shared life’s hardships and joys, all with a focus on service to our Lord and love for his wife and family; children Amy D. Campbell, Kate C. McPhatter (Chet), and Robert Bruce Campbell (Betsy); beautiful grandchildren Emma, Claire, and Chase McPhatter, and Adelaide Campbell, all of whom were the joy of his life.  He is also survived by his sister, Joan C. Steele, brother-in-law, Bob Keith, and sister-in-law, Rita Jefferson, and many special cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bruce was a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force.  He was employed in management for many years at Imperial Reading and Courtland Manufacturing in Lynchburg.  As he neared his retirement years, he worked for Southern States in Amherst, where he loved giving farming advice, and lastly at Banker Steel until his retirement.  He spent his free time working on the family farm in Piney River, a very special place to him.

Anyone lucky enough to know Bruce loved him.  Kindness radiated from him, and he spent his life in service to others.  Another of his favorite verses was Mark 12:30-31 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and with all your strength.  The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself.  There is no commandment greater than these.” If anyone lived these words, it was Bruce.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, November 25, 2022, at Madison Heights Baptist Church at 1 p.m. with good friend, Reverend Eugene Beverly officiating.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Madison Heights Baptist Church and Shriners Children’s Hospital.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Madison Heights, is assisting the family.

Click here to view Bruce’s tribute video

Condolences & Tributes

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I am truly sorry to hear the sad news of my great friend and mentor Bruce Campbell passing. I was a stranger in USA coming to NY and Philadelphia from England 1982, I met Bruce, Bev and family and we have had a long lasting friendship. They hosted my Mum and Dad and attended my wedding, we broke bread in Lynchburg and at the Campbell house. Sharing time together with him and his caring family. I will remember Bruce as a loving family man and friend, the kind you think about every day and would gladly give you the shirt off his back. God bless you Bruce love ♥️🌹✝️ God bless Bev, Rob, Kate, Amy and your families, love and sympathy ♥️🌹✝️Rae and Michael

Posted by Michael Stark on November 26, 2022

Dear Bev,We grew up next to the Campbells on Oak Grove and we have wonderful memories of Bruce. My brother,CD and my sister Sarah and I still talk and laugh about the fun times with Bruce as a neighbor and a friend. We had many sleigh rides on the hill behind their house some were scary but over all a lot of fun for all that were there. So sad for your loss,but the wonderful memories will last forever. Sincerely, CD Hawkins,Sarah H Slagle and Susan H Wilson.

Posted by susan wilson on November 24, 2022

Sending our love and prayers for you all. Martha Bryant and Esther Stinnett

Posted by Martha Bryant on November 24, 2022

Bruce was such a sweet and friendly person..When he smiled it was like he had a twinkle in his eyes. He will be sadly missed

Posted by Tracie Lopez on November 24, 2022

Bev and family so sorry for your lost. Growing up with Bruce as a neighbor we saw a wonder family man. Years later I had the opportunity to work for Bruce, he set the standard for treating everyone with kindness. He will truly be missed.

Posted by Eric Wilburn on November 24, 2022

My heart is heavy right now. To the Campbell and McPhatter families. Bruce was a great friend and co-worker. He was always so wonderful to be around. The type of person that always had a positive attitude even when he wasn’t doing that great. Through his knee and back operations, I thought he was Superman, you couldn’t keep him down. It was my honor to be considered his friend. Great family man and you knew by talking to him he loved the Lord. Fly high my friend. You earned your wings. Sending prayers to all his family and friends.

Posted by Clarence Watkins on November 23, 2022

Bev and Family, So sorry for your loss 😢 Bruce was a wonderful man. A friend to everyone. He truly will be missed.

Posted by Belinda Martin on November 23, 2022

Bruce was a past neighbor and a wonderful friend to all. He always had a smile on his face. Bless Bev and the family in their loss.

Posted by Libby Howell Jennings on November 22, 2022

We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers and love for all of you.

Posted by Richard & Betty Glass on November 22, 2022

I have so many fond memories of Bruce but mostly I remember his warm smile and hugs each time I saw him. Love to all of you

Posted by Julia on November 22, 2022

Bruce was my neighbor when I was a child. He was one of the kindest and gentlest souls that I have ever encountered. On his way to work each morning, he would give me a ride to school in Amherst. I could not have gotten to school if it wasn't for him. He and his wife Beverly were always good neighbors and treated us well although we were the only blacks in that area. When it snowed, we went sledding and Bruce and his family made a huge bonfire;when they weren't using the sleds, they allowed us to use them for as long as we wanted. Bruce and his wife Beverly helped my mom out a lot. He dressed up as Santa during Christmas and once came by our house to see us. (I honestly thought he was the REAL Santa when I was younger). I moved away to college and never moved back but I do remember Bruce and his wife. I am thankful and blessed to have known a wonderful man like him. To his family Bev, Amy and Kate and the members that I never had the chance to meet, I cannot imagine how great of a loss this is for you, he done his service on this Earth and now it's time for him to rest in Heavenly peace. May the Lord bless and keep you during this difficult time. With my deepest sympathy, Betty Ann Boyd (Daughter of Annie Bell Jones) Raleigh, North Carolina

Posted by Betty Ann Boyd on November 22, 2022

So sorry for your loss. Praying God gives you comfort.

Posted by Bonnie on November 22, 2022

Amy, Bev, Kate, and Robert: Very sorry to learn of the loss of your dad and your husband. I know this will be a difficult holiday season for you all but pray you will find some peace in all the happy memories shared by your family!

Posted by Debi Worley on November 22, 2022

Truly very sorry for your loss. A life well-lived by a wonderful Christian man much loved! Hugs and prayers for God's comfort. I love you all!

Posted by Sammy Duff on November 22, 2022

Beverly, Rob, sorry for the loss of your husband and father may God's angels surround you in this time prayers

Posted by Lawhorne Margaret on November 22, 2022

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