Joshua Hunter Campbell

On the warm spring afternoon of May 28, 1993, Joshua entered this world with the welcoming love of his mother and father, Stephanie and William Sr. His birth completed their goal of having three healthy sons.

Born in Richmond, Virginia and raised in the south eastern Virginia county of Prince George, Joshua quickly became the center of everyday joy. His older brothers - Will and Cam - eagerly entertained Josh’s rambunctious spirit to entice his joyous giggles.

Josh was intelligent and charismatic. He found passion in outside activities and even surpassed his older brothers by riding a two-wheel bicycle, at age three. He quickly moved towards sports like soccer, baseball, and football, which he loved and had a natural talent for.

When he wasn’t outside or repeatedly watching his favorite movies, Josh would spend countless hours playing XBOX Live. You could often hear him through the house yelling and encouraging fellow players, as he connected with people across the country, through games like Call of Duty and Halo.

Frequently, family members, teachers, and friends would remark how tender Josh’s heart was and how his sweet and caring demeanor juxtaposed to his athletic and dominant characteristics. Throughout his life, Josh never lost this sweet, tender spirit.

As Joshua grew and experienced puberty, he faced challenges adjusting to young adulthood responsibilities.

Fixated on discovering his own way, Josh spent meaningful periods in Asheville, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina, attempting to chart his future and find his truth. Along the way, he found joy in animals, particularly with his dog Shea, who he loved and doted on.

Joshua eventually found his way back home to his family and continued his journey in the presence of the people who knew and loved him most. During this time, he attained fulfillment fixing automobiles and was working towards becoming a car tech.

Josh found strength and belonging through friendships with coworkers and peers in the community who faced the same struggles as he. Josh truly wanted to be the person everyone knew he could be, despite his ongoing efforts against addiction.

As the Christmas holiday approached, Joshua - like many people today - relapsed and fell gravely ill. While we would have rather had Josh’s healing manifested in this life, God decided to bring Josh to his heavenly home for his full recovery.

We are comforted in knowing that Josh was doing his best to reach his goals. Most importantly, we are proud of him, of his love of people, for his caring spirit, for his choice of being an organ donor, and his belief in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Throughout his life, he relied on his faith to carry him through, and we know that his rest means his healing in the company of Christ.

Joshua is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Haywood Smith Sr. and Andrew Campbell Jr.

Left to cherish his memory are his dedicated and loving parents, Stephanie Dwane Campbell and William Hampton Campbell Sr, his two brothers, William Campbell Jr. and Cameron Campbell, grandmothers, Darlane Smith and Imogene Campbell, godparents, Allonia and Charles Thompson, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He will be remembered fondly by all who his spirit touched during his time on Earth.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you should not fight this battle alone. For resources and assistance, contact the free, confidential, 24/7, 365 day treatment and referral service of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).