Joseph E. Campbell

Joseph Edward Campbell, 68, of Vesuvius, died peacefully on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at his residence following a valiant battle with Stage IV gastric cancer. He fought courageously and has now claimed victory in Jesus. The heavenly angelic choir just added another tenor voice.

Joe was born on March 25, 1956, in Greenville, a son of the late John Thomas (Jack) Campbell and Mabel Virginia (Whitesell) Campbell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters, Brenda D. Campbell, and Jane Pendleton Campbell Wilson; his parents-in-law, Joseph W. Fauber, Sr. and Erskine M. and Ellen H. Groah; and his sister-in-law Gloria F. (Tator) Phillips.

Joe was a past member of Vesuvius Baptist Church for many years where he served as deacon, sang in the choir, and taught children’s Sunday School classes. In recent years, he was a faithful member of Emory United Methodist Church where he served as a lay leader and enjoyed singing in the choir. He was a lifetime member of the Fairfield First Aid Crew and a past volunteer member of the Raphine Fire Department.

Joe loved to boast about carrying milk pails on his shoulders as a ten-year-old lad while growing up on the family dairy farm. He followed the family tradition of driving a school bus as a high school student. As a young adult, he tried his hand in excavation and was employed by H.C. Eavers and Sons. Prior to a life changing fall in 1997, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing, but his greatest passion was his work with Virginia Frame Builders and Supply, where he was currently employed for the past 48 years. His greatest sense of accomplishment was derived from a pleased customer. Joe felt the same amount of pride in the completion of a four-month project as he did a one day sliding door repair. 

His passion was renovating old barns and restoring them to their original beauty. An old fallen down building to him was like an artist with a blank canvas. With his highest level of education being from Riverheads High School, algebra, angles, offsets, roof pitch, and tape measurements all came naturally, and “close enough was good enough”. He loved tools and gadgets and thought everyone should own a good hammer and chain saw. The building construction industry, and Virginia Frame in particular, was a part of his DNA, but nothing surpassed his greatest joy in life of being PaPa to his beloved grandsons, Benjamin, Matthias, and Malachi.

Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife, Rebecca “Becky” Lynn Fauber Campbell, whom he married on August 19, 1977. Together, they were blessed with their son, Stephen Joseph, and his wife, Lindsay; their grandsons, Matthias Steele and Malachi Staton Campbell; their daughter, Amy Lynn and her husband Keith; and their grandson, Benjamin Edward Fields. 

Joe considered his extended family as part of his growing circle of friends. He is survived by his brothers, John Wayne Campbell, Wayt Finley (Tammy) Campbell; brothers-in-law, Lawrence “Euley” (Virginia) Phillips, Joe (Cathy) Fauber, Jr. and Dale (Patty) Fauber. He is also survived by his step sisters-in-law, Linda Swink, Donna (Paul) Smals, Diane Tolley, and Darlene (Buddy) Nicely and his many nieces and nephews whom he loved, Stephanie (Todd) Wade, Ann Nelson, Jennifer (Brian) Campbell, Michael (Chassidy) Campbell, Finley (Mackenzie) Campbell, Brittany (Chris) Black, Lori Kay (Ronnie) Harvey, Sterling (Maddy) Fauber, Colby Fauber, and Cyrus Fauber, and many other great nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his Uncle Jack and Jane Whitesell, Aunt Mary Jane Whitesell, and many special cousins. 

Joe enjoyed innumerable friendships in his life journey through his family, church family, cancer family, work associates, and community involvement. He treasured the special bonds of his buddies that spanned over the decades. The number of visitors over Joe’s last months is a testament to the friendships he formed, both personally and professionally. Above all, however, his greatest Friend was his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton, and at other times at the home, located at 464 Tye River Turnpike, Vesuvius, VA.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Calvary United Methodist Church in Stuarts Draft with Pastor Nona Allen officiating.

All past and present employees of Virginia Frame Builders and Supply, it’s suppliers, subcontractors, and affiliates are asked to serve as honorary pallbearers. Joe held a special place in his heart for each of you.

Burial will be private and at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may consider a donation to the Raphine Volunteer Fire Company (PO Box 142, Raphine, VA 24472) or the ConnectionsPlus Hospice Team (315 Myers St, Lexington, VA 24450).

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. David Riley, the oncology staff and cancer center at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, Charlottesville and to the Lexington ConnectionsPlus Healthcare+Hospice team for the excellent care and support they provided. Our hearts are forever filled with gratitude to our many friends and family for the support and acts of kindness shown during this difficult time.