Campbell, Rev. Eugene Clayton
The Reverend Eugene Clayton Campbell, age 95, of Bedford, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2015. He was the husband of the late Gwendolyn Welch Johnson Campbell. They had been married for 74 years at the time of Gwen’s passing last year.Born January 24, 1920, in Bedford County, Eugene was the son of the late Mamie Bell Painter Campbell and John Manley Campbell. He received a BA from Lynchburg College and a master’s degree in Theology from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Eugene was a much loved pastor for many congregations. He was called to serve in the churches of Walnut Grove, Mount Hermon, Sedalia, Elon, Glasgow, Big Island, Cornerstone, Ridgecrest and Westview. He oversaw the building of churches in both Elon and Glasgow.Eugene believed in the power of service and community. He worked with many mission groups and was a sponsor for international refugee families. He served as the officiant at countless marriages including those of his own children and grandchildren, was with many families as they welcomed children into the world and as they said goodbye to cherished loved ones. His steady presence brought comfort to so many through the years.Eugene was a Master Mason for over 60 years and a member of the Liberty Lodge #95 in Bedford, Virginia. He was a member of Thaxton Baptist Church, the very same church he and his wife first attended as children. Eugene was a special person who touched many lives. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.He is survived by his two sons, Dr. Barry Eugene Campbell and wife, Linda, and Ted Johnson Campbell and wife, Caperton; one brother, Marvin A Campbell; six grandchildren, Jason Eugene Campbell and wife, Thea, Andrea Campbell Heapes and husband, Bill, Christopher Jacques Campbell and wife, Jill, Jedd Patrick Campbell and wife, Lori, Clayton David Campbell and wife, Promise, and Casey Johnson Campbell; and 13 great-grandchildren, Carsyn, Meghan, Kylie, Olivia, Jake, Zachary, Kennedy, Lacey, Christian, Bryson, Eli, Laken, and Adolyn.He was preceded in death by his brothers, Troy Campbell, Duane Campbell, and Dillard Campbell; and his sisters, Edna Campbell Walden, Maybell Campbell and Thelma Campbell Miller.Those wishing to make memorial contribution in Rev. Campbell’s honor please consider Elon Baptist Church Building Fund, 145 Younger Drive, Madison Heights, VA 24572.A Celebration of Eugene’s life will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at Elon Baptist Church with the Rev. Steve Tyree and the Rev. Mark Cheatham. Interment will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Bedford.The family will receive friends from 5 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at Elon Baptist Church.To send condolences online please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home Crematory, Bedford, (540) 586-3443.
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