Dr. Thomas C. Camp

Dr. Thomas C. Camp died on Tuesday, November 10, 2009, Lewis-Gale Medical Center in Salem, Va., following an 11 month battle with aplastic anemia. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Clay Camp and Nettie Snipes Camp; his beloved daughter, Mary Catherine "Kaye" Kriz; and stepson-in-law, Mark Scott.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Glenda Farrar Camp; his children, Joan Coleman and husband, James, and Dr. Thomas Camp and wife, Margaret Murphey; son-inlaw Dr. Ron Kriz; the mother of his children, Jo Camp; his stepchildren Mara Scott, Edwin R. Martin Jr. and wife, Gerin, and David Martin and wife, Heather. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Andrew Kriz , Margaret Coleman Haynes and husband, Sean, Claire, Ben, William, and Laura Lee Coleman, Thomas, Emily, and Sam Camp; as well as two great-grandsons, Jacob and Sam Haynes. Additionally, he is survived by five stepgrandchildren, Dylan Stephens, Emily and Alan Scott, and Maddie and Claire Martin.
Following graduation from Blakely High School in Blakely, Ga., in 1936, Dr. Camp worked a variety of jobs including selling candy, cooking in a Miami deli, tending bar, and working in Pittsburgh steel mills before military service in World War II. When he was 28 years old he entered Denver University where he received his bachelors, masters, and PhD degrees.
In 1953 he joined the staff of St. Albans Psychiatric Hospital in the Bluefield clinic and the following year at the main hospital in Radford, where he became the first clinical psychologist. While there, he developed many treatment programs, served as the Psychology Department head, set up and ran an EEG lab, and most important to him, via his own style of psychotherapy, taught many people how to take care of themselves and to live richer and fuller lives.
He was also active in his professional organizations including the Virginia Psychological Association, the Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists, the American Psychological Association, and the International Transactional Analysis Association. While involved in these organizations he played a significant role in writing the licensing laws for Psychology in Virginia and served on the Board of Psychologists Examiners. Although he was already a seasoned therapist he continued his training in Redecision Therapy with Bob and Mary Goulding at their Mt. Madonna Institute in Watsonville, Calif. He also became certified as a transactional analyst.
Dr. Camp lived a rich, full life. His passion for flying and flight instruction continued until the end as he enjoyed his grandson Andrew's shared passion for aviation and enjoyed gliding with him in recent years. At the age of 89 he was privileged to return to the controls of a Cessna 180 with special friend, Jim Peters. Later in life, he developed an interest in cruising the waters of the Elizabeth and Rappahannock Rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. He spent many happy hours playing and working on Smooth Croozin' II. In addition to flying and boating, he enjoyed playing golf and passing on his knowledge and love for the game to his children and stepchildren. His talent for landscaping was evident in his many yard projects done lovingly for his family to enjoy.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2009, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Oakey's Funeral Home, North Chapel on Peters Creek Road. There will be no formal service. According to his wishes, his ashes will be spread at a later time on Broad Creek where it enters the Rappahannock River and where Smooth Croozin' II was often docked. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation, 1003 Park Ave., Suite 108, Rockville, Md. 20850.
The family wishes to express appreciation to Dr. Larry Monahan and Jefferson Internal Medicine, Dr. William Fintel and Blue Ridge Cancer Care, and the nursing staff on 6 West Lewis-Gale Medical Center for the care lovingly provided to Dr. Camp and the family.