Sandy Elmo Camper Jr., 86, of RockbridgeCounty, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, at Heritage Hall.

He was born to Frances Burks Camper and Sandy Elmo Camper on May 8, 1938, in Stonewall Jackson Hospital.  He was married to Sylvia Butler.

Sandy attended NeriahBaptist Church for many years.  He served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher or any job that was needed.  In later years, he and Sylvia became members of Buena Vista Baptist Church.  He enjoyed the fellowship and friends he made there. Attending church each Sunday was a priority throughout his life and he was an active member who rarely missed.

For over 40 years, Sandy was a truck driver, traveling to most states in the U.S.  Remarkably, he was never involved in an accident.  Like his father and grandfather, Sandy also drove a school bus for Rockbridge County Schools.  In addition, he also farmed the family farm with his father and other family members throughout his life.

He was well known for always driving a clean vehicle. Most every weekend you could find him washing his car, truck, school bus or tractor.  Sandy loved NASCAR, always pulling for his favorite Chevrolet driver.  Over the years, he traveled to many tracks but his favorite was Charlotte Motor Speedway and the World 600.  He never missed a race until his advanced age prevented him going.  He loved animals and was especially fond of his border collies.  Animals must have sensed his love for them because his last two pets, a cat and a dog, adopted him.

When Sylvia began to decline and was not safe at home alone, Sandy gave up driving the bus to stay home and care for her.  Unfortunately she fell out of bed and broke her hip and required more care than he could provide.  He reluctantly took her to Havenwood.  He would be there almost every day to keep her company.  Eventually he moved to Havenwood. He wanted to help take care of Sylvia.  When he had to go into the hospital and then to therapy, his number one goal was to get back to Sylvia.

Surviving is his wife of 68 years, Sylvia; his brother Dennis; his daughter and son-in-law Bonnie and DeWitt Fix; his grandchildren Wittnie Mason and her husband Adam and Matthew Fix; his great-grandchildren Peyton, Isabelle and Wesley Fix, and Atleigh and Laken Mason.

Per his wishes, there will be no funeral service at this time. 

Our family would like to thank all the caregivers at Havenwood, Heritage Hall, the Glebe, and Carilion Rockbridge and RoanokeMemorial Hospital for their care.

As an expression of sympathy, the family suggests memorial contributions to Buena Vista Baptist Church, NeriahBaptist Church cemetery fund, Connections Plus Healthcare and Hospice and Rockbridge SPCA.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home and Crematory.