JEFFREY 'JEFF' HUDSON CHAMPION

Jeffrey “Jeff” Hudson Champion, 74, husband of Diane Richburg Champion, died Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, at Prisma Health Richland in Columbia.
Born April 4, 1948, in Shelby, North Carolina, he was the son of the late John Hudson Champion and the late Mary Helen Randall Champion. Mr. Champion was an active member of Sumter First Baptist Church where he served faithfully as a deacon, member of the worship choir and Benevolence Committee for many years. He retired from Kroger and Food Lion grocery stores after more than 40 years of service. He enjoyed fishing at the lake and other hobbies such as golf, softball, gardening and playing cards. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his many friends and family, especially his grandchildren fishing and dancing by the light of the full moon.
Survivors in addition to his wife of 35 years include one son, Jeffrey Todd Champion (Jacqui); five grandchildren, Hayley Champion, Megan Champion, Mary Todd Champion, Ryan Hawkey and Natalie Hawkey; one sister, Cynthia Williams (Linton); and one nephew, Randy Williams.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Harriet Camille Champion.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Sumter First Baptist Church officiated by the Rev. Dr. Dan Barber and the Rev. Dr. James Goodroe. Burial will be in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall and other times at the home.
Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Friends and Followers Sunday School Class.
Memorials may be sent to Sumter First Baptist Church Benevolence Fund or to the FBC General Fund, 107 E. Liberty St., Sumter, SC 29150.
Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.