Cambell, Wayne W.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28 Dr. Wayne W. Campbell, 73, of Blacksburg, and formerly from Luray, died on May 7, 2013, at MontVue Healthcare Center in Luray. He was born on May 10, 1939, in Luray to Lacy Campbell and Thelma Waters Campbell. On June 22, 1963, he married Dawn Marston Campbell, who survives. Dr. Campbell graduated from Luray High School in 1957. He received a B.S. in Physics in 1965 and a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics in 1969, from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University where he belonged to Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Xi, and the German Club, a social and service organization. In October of 1969, Wayne joined the Amoco Production Company, now BP Amoco in Houston, Texas as a Geophysicist. During his first 20 years at Amoco he was an explorationist, searching for hydrocarbons throughout the United States. He also served as the Regional Geophysicist for the South Pacific and South America while in the international office for Amoco. He spent the last ten years of his career at Amoco’s Tulsa Research Lab, in charge of technology transfer and later was a trainer in teamwork and quality control. Wayne retired in 1997 and he and wife, Dawn, settled back in Blacksburg. Dr. Campbell was a radiant Christian and loving example to all who knew him. For over 20 years he published “Bread Crumbs;” an online devotional and prayer group he shared with co-workers, friends, and family. “Bread Crumbs” reached hundreds of people across the nation. As a member of the Blacksburg United Methodist Church, Dr. Campbell served in numerous positions on the Church Council developing the vision for the Church. We rejoice in the knowledge that Wayne has broken the barrier of time as we know it and is forever home with the Savior he faithfully served. As a Virginia Tech alumnus he served the “Hokie Nation” in various positions as a Hokie representative, Vice-President, President and Chairman of the German Club Foundation. He was a founding member of Leading Lights; which honors the victims of the 2007 tragedy at Virginia Tech. He also served as President and Vice-President of the Blacksburg Sports Club. Dr. Campbell was on the Board of the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra of the New River Valley and was involved in the Center for Civil War Studies at Virginia Tech. He received the ‘Citizen Recognition Award’ from the Rotary Club in 2004. On February 24, 2013, Wayne was honored by the German Club at the Mimslyn Inn in Luray, with a “Resolution of Appreciation.” Wayne was a poet, author, educator and humanitarian. He was a devoted man of God, husband, son, brother, uncle and friend whose life was and continues to be an example in ethics, humility and achievement. In addition to his wife, Dawn, Wayne is survived by a brother, Robbie Sampsell and wife Serra of Charles Town, WV, and sister, Sharon Sampsell of Elkton. His extended family includes the following brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: David and Faye Christ of Blacksburg; Roger and Jane Miller, Danny and Anna Lee Presgraves, Eddie and Meda Bailey, and Gerald and Vicki Gochenour all of Luray; and John and Ina Heubach, of Harrisonburg. Together, Wayne and Dawn shared their love of the Lord and His blessings with many nieces, nephews, god children and cousins. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 12, 2013, at the Rileyville Baptist Church in Rileyville. A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at the Rileyville Baptist Church at 3 p.m. on Monday, May 13, 2013, with Pastor Steve Thompson and Evangelist Doug Gochenour officiating. Burial will follow at Beahm’s Chapel Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at the Blacksburg United Methodist Church in Blacksburg, VA at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2013. The Rev. Reginald “Reggie” Tuck and Chaplain Johnny Shelton of the Virginia Tech Football team will officiate. A reception will follow at the German Club Manor. The family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and visits during Wayne’s illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. for project “Campbell Thunder.” University Development (0336), Gift Accounting, 902 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg, VA 24061.