William S. Champion, Sr.

William S. Champion, Sr., age 67 of Bolivar formerly of Shelby NC, passed away Wednesday morning at Aultman Hospital. William was born on June 19, 1940 in Gaffney, SC to the late Jim Ruben and Sissie (Blanton) Champion. He was a United States Navy Veteran serving during the Bay of Pigs. He retired in 2001 from Celenese – Fiber in North Carolina following 30 years as a maintenance mechanic. William enjoyed cooking, reading, fishing, gardening and talking with others. He was a member of the Shelby Resuce Squad in Shelby, NC, Cleveland Masonic Lodge #202 F. & A.M. in Shelby, NC, Scottish Rite of Free Masonry of Charlotte, NC, and the Oasis Shriners in Charlotte, NC. He was of the Baptist faith. William is survived by his wife, Linda L. (Boyd) Hazel with whom he would have celebrated 10 years of marriage on June 25, 2008; sons and daughter-in-law, William S. Champion, Jr. and Donald W. Champion both of Raleigh, NC, Steven (Amy) Hazel of North Canton; sisters, Sarah (Ray) Cochran of Shelby, NC. and Cora Ann Marsh of Shelby, NC. Memorial services celebrating William’s life will be held Monday at 11:00 AM at the Arnold – Lynch Funeral Home in Massillon with Rev. Edd Matako officiating. Calling hours will be Sunday from 2:00 – 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Cleveland County EMS Services, 100 Justice Place, Shelby NC, 28150. Messages of support and sympathy can be sent to the family at www.arnoldlynch.com. Arnold – Lynch A Golden Rule Funeral Home 330 – 833 - 4839