Walter L. Champion, 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 18th surrounded by family in his daughter Susan's home in Fernandina Beach, Florida after a brief illness.
Walter was born on April 21, 1937 in Statesboro, Georgia to Mary Morris and Tom W. Champion. He later moved with his family to Palatka, Florida and served in the National Guard until he was honorably discharged in 1963. In 1958 Walter moved to Fernandina Beach, Florida and worked for the grocery store Pantry Pride for 32 years in various roles including assistant manager. Walter married Clarice Lee on June 5th, 1971 and they enjoyed a loving marriage for 45 years until her passing in 2016. Walter and Clarice were dedicated members of the Bible Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach, FL. In his later years, Walter loved to spend time with his beloved dog Midnight and now he is most certainly fishing in heaven with his brother David.
Left to honor Walter are two of his brothers, Carl Champion (Palatka, FL) and Harvey Champion (Palatka, FL); his 5 children, Dennis E. Champion, step-son Jimmy (Eunice) Hickox, Susan (Brian) McCarthy, step-daughter Margie Hatton and step-daughter Melba Hendrix; 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Walter was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brothers Ernest Champion and David Champion, his sister Edith Nesmith, his step-daughter Marie Evans and his son-in-law Jerry Hatton.
A wake was held on Thursday, April 20 at the Bible Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach, Florida. The family will welcome friends on Friday, April 21st at 1:00pm at the Bible Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach to celebrate Walter’s life on what would have been his 80th birthday. Graveside services will follow at the Green Pine Cemetery in Yulee, Florida. After the interment, the family will welcome everyone back to the Bible Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Community Hospice of Fernandina Beach, FL.