Walter Thomas Camden, 78 of Big Island, passed away Thursday, June 30, 2011 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital. He was born on Thursday, January 5, 1933 in Rockbridge County, a son of May Goad Camden of Buena Vista, who survives and the late Samuel Oscar Camden. He was a retired employee of Georgia Pacific and was a member of Big Island Baptist Church. He was also a U. S. Army veteran. In addition to his mother, he is survived by is his wife, Willie Pearl Austin Camden; two daughters, Elaine Camden Grishaw & husband, Greg of Madison Heights; Susan Camden Tolley & husband, Jeff of Sedalia; a brother, Plynn Camden of Buena Vista; a sister, Martha Gupton of Petersburg; four grandchildren, Hunter Tolley, Trevor Grishaw, Forrest Tolley, Alexis Grishaw. The family requests those wishing to make memorials to consider Big Island Baptist Church, P. O. Box 348, Big Island, VA 24526 or Big Island Emergency Crew, P. O. Box 343, Big Island, VA 24526. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 3, 2011 at 2:00 PM at Big Island Baptist Church with Rev. Bryon LePere officiating. Interment, with military honors by American Legion Post # 16 will follow in Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday from 5 until 7 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.