Charles Ben Camp, Sr,. age 79, passed away March 13, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family.

Born in Cleveland County on June 2, 1944, he was the son of the late John Madison Camp and Edna Alberta Shields Camp. In addition to his parents, Charles is preceded in death by siblings, Savannah Phillips, Nathan Camp, Ruth Melton, Mary Grayson, Anna Martin, Lula Belle Camp, Thelma Camp, Sam Camp, Emmett Camp, Billy Camp, Edwin Camp, Jerry Camp, Tom Camp, and Robert Camp.

Charles is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sue Champion Camp, his son Chip Camp and wife Amber Blevins Camp and their sons Tripp and John Matt Camp, as well as siblings Polly Bridges, Jane Bridges, Brendan LeGrand and husband Bryan, and sister-in-laws Mariel Camp and Judy Camp as well as many nieces and nephews.

Charles is a 1963 graduate of Shelby High School and a 1968 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Charles explored many different careers during his lifetime, most notably as a real estate developer and financial planner. After his retirement, he devoted his time to his passion for farming at the Camp family farm in Casar, NC. Charles was a charter member of the Foothills Farmers Market and was a constant fixture there every Saturday morning until his health would no longer allow his participation.

Charles will best be remembered for charity, generosity, and his willingness to help others. He viewed these avenues of service as part of his Christian commitment. He routinely donated much of the produce he grew to those less fortunate and in need. He frequently supported community efforts in Cleveland County and funded college scholarships for local students. He donated much of the wealth he accumulated over his lifetime to various churches and causes that he supported. Charles was a lifetime supporter of Shelby High School athletics, and his name can be found on the football and baseball fieldhouses.

Charles' faith and family were the most important things to him. He read his bible daily and lived his life serving Jesus. He attended multiple churches throughout this lifetime serving in various capacities including deacon. As his health declined he enjoyed Sunday morning services from home.

In addition to his faith, Charles dearly loved his two grandsons, Tripp and John Matt. He consistently poured his life lessons into them. He often said if he had known how great grandchildren were, he would have had them first.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Elizabeth Baptist Church Student Ministry, 301 N Post Road, Shelby 28152 or Cross Trail Outfitters-CTO Foothills Chapter, PO Box 706, Plymouth, NC 27962.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2024 in the Chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory, beginning at 2 o'clock, officiated by Dr. Rit Varriale and Rev. Norris Willis. The family will receive friends an hour prior, and burial will follow the service at Elizabeth Baptist Church Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Camp.