Tex Ervin Campbell

Tex Ervin Campbell

January 9, 1938 - May 27, 2025

Tex Ervin Campbell, age 87, of Roanoke, Virginia, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Born in Montebello, Virginia, he was the beloved youngest son of John Franklin and Nellie Bartley Campbell.

Tex was preceded in death by his first wife of 32 years, Robbie Crawford Campbell; his parents; his sister Joyce Bryant; and his brother Erskin Campbell.

A Life Well-Cultivated

Tex was a master gardener whose bountiful tomatoes and fresh eggs were legendary throughout his community. For him, gardening was more than a hobby, it was a spiritual practice, a way to connect with God's creation and witness the miracle of life's cycles. He generously shared his harvest with neighbors and friends, embodying the spirit of community that defined his character.

His professional life was marked by service and dedication. Tex served his country with honor as a Military Police Officer in the U.S. Army, earning marksmanship and expert sharpshooter badges. He then devoted over 50 years of his career to Reeves Brothers Inc. in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Faith and Fellowship

A man of deep faith, Tex was a lifelong member of Marlbrook Baptist Church, Blue Ridge Baptist Church, and most recently Rainbow Forest Baptist Church. He served as a Deacon and Bible study leader, nurturing the spiritual growth of countless individuals. As he often reflected, drawing from Rudyard Kipling: "Half a proper gardener's work is done upon his knees. So when your work is finished, you can wash your hands and pray. For the glory of the garden, that it may never fade away. One is nearer God's heart in a garden, than anywhere on earth."

Cherished Family and Friends

Tex is lovingly survived by his wife of 30 years, Linda Dooley Campbell; his daughter Valeria Campbell Galop (Albert Galop) and granddaughter Brittany Galop (Micah Mallory); his daughter Vonda Campbell Broom (Danny L. Broom II) and granddaughters Jourdan Paige Bushman (Matt Bushman) and Morgan Hannah Broom; his brother William "Buddy" Campbell; his stepson, Randall Gray; and his devoted companion Maggie Mae, his faithful Shih Tzu whose favorite place was curled up on his lap.

He also leaves behind his dear friend Bill Finucan, with whom he shared one triumphant deer hunt, countless fishing expeditions, hockey games, a memorable trip to the Masters, and endless laughter. His surviving family includes nieces Karen Campbell Amato (Hank Amato), Micaela Campbell, and Maggie Campbell; nephews Ronnie Bryant, Freddie Bryant, and Erick Campbell (Krystal Campbell); friend Donna Woods; and special cousin Virginia Riegert Hilliard (Richard Hilliard).

A Legacy of Simple Joys

Those who knew Tex remember a man who found profound joy in life's simple pleasures: the warmth of morning sun, gentle afternoon breezes, the sound of flowing water, and the laughter of loved ones. His conversations revealed his passions for gardening and fishing, his deep scriptural knowledge, and his unwavering convictions. As a pro-life advocate, he held sacred the gift of life in all its forms. He was the neighbor everyone wished for-always ready with a helping hand, gardening wisdom, or a kind word.

Service Information

Visitation will begin at noon, followed by a 1:00 p.m. funeral service with full military honors on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Bolling, Grose, & Lotts Funeral Home chapel in Buena Vista, Virginia. Reverend Douglas Keffer will officiate. Tex will be laid to rest in Green Hill Cemetery, where his spirit will forever remain connected to the natural world he cherished.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to www.Gideons.org for the placement of bibles in his memory.