Harold "Pete" W. Campbell

Harold Wray “Pete” Campbell, 79, passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at his family’s long-time home in Staunton, VA. He is now with his sweetheart, Ada Anne, who preceded him in death October 4, 2024, after fifty-seven years of marriage.

He was born May 5, 1946, at Kings Daughter’s Hospital in Staunton, VA to the late Ulysses and Lorine (Fitzgerald) Campbell.

Pete graduated in 1966 from Robert E. Lee High School, and subsequently served two years in the US Army, one of those in Vietnam operating a transport boat for officers stationed at Cam Ranh Bay during the war.

Many people remember Pete as a member of the Coachmen Band and Quartet, as a former Pastor of Arbor Hill Church of the Brethren, and as the Chaplain for Henry Funeral Home. Prior to retirement, Pete was employed by E.I. Dupont de Nemours & Company for thirty years and ultimately served as a Research and Development assistant for which he traveled internationally.

During retirement, Pete thoroughly enjoyed traveling with the Coachmen doing shows at churches, cruises, private events and conventions, and with his son, Chris doing shows for kids and young families.

A dedicated Christian, Pete was a member of the Staunton Church of the Brethren where he and Ada were united in marriage on December 23, 1966. Pete and Ada were also members of Linden Heights Baptist Church and Annex Fellowship Church in later years. They deeply valued the friendships and connections they built with pastors at each of these places of worship.

Pete is survived by his sons, David Wray Campbell and his wife, Becky and Christopher Todd Campbell and his wife, Tonya. Known as “Paw Paw,” he is also survived by his grandchildren Riley Ann Campbell, Deacon Crosby Campbell, Kera Wray Campbell, Kellen Blaine Campbell, along with a great niece Morgan Armstong and great nephew Nathan Armstong, whom he considered his first grandchildren. Finally, he is survived by Bonnie Craig, who he considered a daughter, a special niece Kim Perry Graves, and friend John Lane, who was like a brother to him.

In addition to his wife and parents, Pete is preceded in death by a sister, JoAnne Armstrong, his brother, Bob Campbell; and his four dogs whom he loved like his own children, namely, Mandy, Casey Lynn, Cody Blue, and Zoey Byrd.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, specifically Mary, Tiffany, Brianna, John, and Pastor Dennis; special caregivers, Denise and Melissa, who spent so many nights at the home, and so many other family and friends who provided countless hours of support for Pete and his family.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Henry Funeral Home in Staunton.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Staunton Church of the Brethren (1615 North Coalter Street, Staunton VA 24401) with Pastors Beth Jarrett and Russell Heinrich officiating.

A graveside service will immediately follow at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Pete’s memory can be made to the Augusta Regional SPCA (33 Archery Lane, Staunton, VA 24401) or Shenandoah Valley Animal Center (1001 Mt. Torrey Road, Lyndhurst, VA 22952).