Lloyd Clay "Bud" Champion, age 95

Lloyd Clay "Bud" Champion, age 95 of Forest City passed away Saturday June 3, 2017.

He was born in Forest City on September 14, 1921 and was a son of the late Ural Avery and Nannie Jane Kiser Champion. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Forest City and a former member of the Chancel Choir. Bud served his country in the 9th Armored Division, United States Army during World War II and was discharged in 1946. Following the war, he returned to Forest City and began his career in the automotive field at Turner-Oates Motor Company. In 1955 he moved to L.C. Cook Chevrolet where he worked as Parts Manager for many years and continued his career with successor Chevrolet dealer Bill Turner and finally Beam Chevrolet where he retired in 1986. Bud enjoyed race cars and racing as well as hunting, fishing and the game of golf.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Hamrick Champion in 2012 as well as brothers, John Champion, Ernest Champion, Martin "Dude" Champion, sisters, Grace Champion, Margaret Champion, Bernice Champion Philbeck, Sue Champion Biggerstaff Grant, and Eva Champion Toms.

Survivors include a son, Billy Champion and wife Sue of Virginia Beach, VA, a daughter, Jane Champion Revels and husband Larry of New Bern, NC, a brother, Ronald Champion and wife Gale of Washington. There are four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. He also has many nieces and nephews. The family also wishes to express their sincere appreciation to his caregivers, which were like family to him, Joan Lavender, SherrI Jones, Susie Dycus, Debbie Gosey, Kim Padgett and Buffy Connor.

The Memorial service was held in the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Dr. J. O'Neil Haynes officiating. Inurnment followed in the church columbarium with military honors accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or the First United Methodist Church Music Department, 341 East Main Street, Forest City, NC 28043.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.