Ronald Payton (Ronnie) Campbell, 63, passed away at his home in Saluda, VA, on August 27, 2026, following a short battle with lung cancer.

Ronnie was born on August 21, 1963, in Chesterfield, VA. His family later spent many cherished weekends and holidays at White Point in Deltaville, eventually moving to Kendall Hall in Irvington, where they lived until 1984.

Ronnie, along with his brother, Raymond, owned and operated Atlantic Metal Products in White Stone before relocating their business to Topping, where he served as vice president until his retirement.

A proud alumnus of Chesapeake Academy and Christchurch School's class of 1982, Ronnie built lifelong friendships and accumulated enough legendary stories to fill several lifetimes. Thankfully, most of them were completely legal-and for those that weren't, we'll just let Ronnie take those stories with him.

The story of Ronnie and Tracy began on September 14, 1982 at Chappy's Exxon in Urbanna. Ronnie was on his way to Norfolk to see A Flock of Seagulls and The Go-Go's in concert. There was just one problem; Ronnie and Lawrence were running on empty, counting the change in their pockets, while Tracy and her friends, were filling up their gas tank. Spotting an opportunity, they decided to all ride together, and the rest is history.

Just under a year later on August 27, 1983, they were married. Days after the wedding they packed up and headed for St. Augustine, Florida, where Ronnie was enrolled at Flagler College. While he attended a few classes, it was his surfing skills-honed through hours of practice- that saw the most improvement. They had the absolute time of their lives there and built a foundation of wonderful memories.

Sadly, the fun ended the following year. They returned to Virginia after Ronnie's father said it was time to go to work because it had become quite apparent a business degree was simply not going to happen. An avid and passionate fisherman, Ronnie was truly at peace on the water. He could spend countless hours casting a line with close friends-or perfectly content by himself. Day or night and through every season Ronnie followed the fish. His favorite place on earth was Islamorada, Florida and whenever he could, the flats boat was hooked up and they were headed south.

Ronnie had a creative spirit and a mind that was always working on the next idea. Whether he was working with metal, running a sawmill, or turning gemstones he had collected over the years into jewelry, he was always making something. His passion for creating will live on through the many treasures he created. He loved the outdoors and taking his dogs for runs along the paths he had made through the woods. Mostly enjoying finding the different native plants and interesting trees to show Tracy.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his loving parents, Ray Campbell and Delores Campbell and his middle brother, Randy Campbell. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 43 years (to the day) Tracy Campbell; son, Payton Campbell, brother; Raymond Campbell (Mary Ann/"Mernie"); nieces and a nephew, and his canine companions Mikimoto, Pearl and Panda.

Ronnie lived life completely on his own terms to the very end. It wasn't always perfect, and he certainly made his share of mistakes, but he never pretended to be anyone but himself. He left behind a lifetime of memories and a collection of stories that will undoubtedly get better with every retelling and a footprint that was uniquely and wonderfully his own.

A service honoring his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on September 12,  2026, at Saint Peter's Chapel on the Christchurch School campus.

To honor his memory, please consider making a contribution to the Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 71, Urbanna, Virginia 23175. His family remains profoundly grateful to the brave first responders who answered the emergency call and fought so hard to save his life.