Raymond Champion

Raymond Champion, 94, a native of Cleveland County, passed away Monday, Nov. 18, 2013, at Hospice at Wendover. He was a member of Zoar Baptist Church, and retired from Doran Mill as a weaver. Mr. Champion served in the U. S. Army during WWII, and he was very proud of his time served in the military.

Mr. Champion loved his family first, but also loved fishing, golfing, playing cards and watching the Atlanta Braves.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Champion and Lela Wright Champion; brothers, Ralph, Buford, Edgar Jr., Jack and Ray Champion; sisters, Luna Wellmon, Ethel Weathers, Lorene Lanier, and Ruth Hopper; and granddaughter Lora Lancaster.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Eva Hamrick Champion of the home; sons, David Champion and wife Lisa of Kings Mountain, and Don Champion and Blane Champion, both of Shelby; daughter, Rheba Lancaster and husband Bill of Gaffney, S.C.; sisters, Vernie Houser of Charlotte, Brenda Marlow of Gastonia, and Diane Earwood of Lawndale; seven grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.