07/22/2025
It is with deep sadness and also great joy that the family announces the death and celebration of the life of Master Sergeant Joe Von Camp U.S.A.F. retired. Joe Von passed away at the State Veterans Home in Humboldt, Tennessee, after a lengthy illness.
Joe Von was born in Crockett County, Tennessee on June 12,1932 in the midst of the great depression. He was born the son of sharecroppers. While growing up, Joe Von, along with his siblings, learned the importance of hard work. All of the Camp children wore clothes fashioned from flour sacks and dressed in hand-me-downs. They worked the fields and raised their own food. The manner in which they grew up and their childhood experiences forged a lifelong bond among the siblings. It also created a deep-seeded respect for their parents who insisted they attend school and church.
Upon graduation from Friendship High School, Joe Von did as his brothers had done, and joined the military. Joe Von and his six brothers served our country with pride and their names are displayed on the Crockett County Veterans Memorial at the courthouse in Alamo, Tennessee. During his time in the military, Joe Von's state side assignments included North Dakota and Texas while his overseas locations were in Saudi Arabia, Holland and Germany. Joe Von served our country with honor and distinction and after completing 23 years of military service he retired with an honorable discharge and the thanks of a grateful nation.
Once retired, Joe Von returned with his family to Crockett County, Tennessee where he lived for the remainder of his life. He continued to engage in an active lifestyle which included participation in several years of long-distance running competitions. He expanded his involvement in sports to include bowling leagues as well as participation in the Tennessee Senior Olympics. In 2023, at the age of 91, Joe Von was inducted into the Tennessee Senior Olympic Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments in the sports of Bowling, Shuffleboard, Table Tennis, Horseshoes, Co****le and Track & Field. Joe Von also received a special commendation because of his inspiration to countless people around him to stay active and get involved.
Joe Von's lifetime journey lasted 93 years, one month and six days and ended when he died on July 18, 2025.
This benediction is a tribute to a life well-lived and marks the end of Joe Von's faithful journey:
Life is short, and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who make the journey with us. So, be swift to love, and make haste to be kind.
Joe Von was preceded in death by his parents, William Luther Camp and Adell McAlister Camp and by his siblings, Katheryn Burke, Dorothy Wilson, Francis Buchanan, Otha "Mac" Camp, Jack Camp, W.L. "Billy" Camp, Ray "Durwood" Camp and Weldon "Shang" Camp.
Joe Von is survived by his brother, Gene "Grady" Camp. He is also survived by his children, Donna Conley, Michael Camp (Kelli), David Camp (Laura), his nine grandchildren, Blake Conley, Columbus Conley, Jeremy Camp, Austin Camp (Rachael), Benjamin Camp, Katie Camp, Alex Camp (Whitney), Nicholas Camp (Sara) and Suzanna Camp. In addition, there are five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 24,2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Funeral services will immediately follow at 12:00 PM, at Friendship Funeral Home, 152 Main Street, Friendship, Tennessee. Burial will take place at the Friendship cemetery immediately following the completion of the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a veteran's service or any other charity of your choice.
Friendship Funeral Home
731-677-2673
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