William S. Champion Sr.

BOLIVAR, Ohio - William S. Champion Sr., 67, formerly of Shelby, N.C., passed away Wednesday morning, June 4, 2008, at Aultman Hospital.

William was born on June 19, 1940, in Gaffney, S.C., 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 Celanese - 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 Rescue Squad, Cleveland Masonic Lodge No. 202 F. & A.M., both in Shelby, Scottish Rite of Free Masonry and the Oasis Shriners, both in Charlotte, N.C. He was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are 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, N.C., Steven (Amy) Hazel of North Canton, Ohio; sisters, Sarah (Ray) Cochran and Cora Ann Marsh, both of Shelby.

Memorial services celebrating William's life will be held Thursday, June 12, at 7 p.m. at Landmark Baptist Church in Shelby with the Rev. Alan Davis officiating. Visiting hours will be Thursday from 4- 7 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Cleveland County EMS Services, 100 Justice Place, Shelby N.C. 28150.

Messages of support and sympathy can be sent to the family at www.arnoldlynch. com.

Arrangements by Arnold - Lynch Funeral Home, Massillon, Ohio.