CHARLESTON — Billy Ray Champion, age 83, was called to his heavenly home on Saturday, June 17.
Visitation will be held at noon Tuesday, June 20, until the time of service beginning at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Charleston. Interment will follow at Charleston City Cemetery. Newsom Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
He graduated from East Tallahatchie High School and attended Memphis State University and Northwest Community College. Billy Ray began his insurance career in June 1964, serving as an agent for Lamar Life Insurance Co. He held that position until October 1, 1969, when he left to accept a Farm Bureau position. Billy Ray was named to 12 Round Tables — the highest honor bestowed by the Farm Bureau Insurance Companies — and went on to travel the world with his wife Patricia, to attend prestigious Round Table conventions, some of which have been held in China, Italy, Russia, Spain, and England.
After serving more than 36 years as agency manager for the Tallahatchie County Farm Bureau, he retired when he had become one of the most tenured Farm Bureau Agency managers in Mississippi.
He loved his church family where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and treasurer for many years. His greatest devotion was to his Lord and to his family. His grandchildren never failed to make him proud, and great-grandchildren always brought a smile to his face. He enjoyed fun-filled times with friends and family at Ole Miss sporting events, Bear Lake Hunting Club, and Oak Grove Farm.
He leaves behind a family he dearly loved to continue his legacy. He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-two years, Patricia Marter Champion; two daughters, Vicki Champion Fennell (Kelly) and Karen Champion; six grandchildren, Kelsie Tribble (Martin), Karlie Morgan (James), Anna Farmer (Brett), Meagan Cook (Raines), Maggie Noah Rowland (Avery) and Luke Champion Noah (friend, Faith), great-grandchildren, Mary Hiram and Caroline Morgan, Louis and Jane Tribble, Hayes Cook, and arriving soon, John Ryker Farmer. He also leaves behind two sisters, Helen Champion Davis (Charles) and Nell Champion Mann.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry Champion and Anthia Agnes Bonds Champion; siblings, Edith Ilene Champion, Eugene Victor “Gene” Champion, Charles H. Champion, Geneva Champion Brunson, Earnest Clifton “EC” Champion, Owen Perkins Champion, Hazel Champion Beavers, and John Powell Champion.
Condolences may be made online at www.newsomfuneralhome.com.
