Gregg Champion, of Hoover, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at the age of 71. He grew up in Florence, Alabama and graduated from Coffee High School in 1966, where he was a running back on Coffee’s State Championship Football Team in 1965.
Gregg matured earlier than most boys his age and was blessed with an abundance of natural athletic ability. He was the “Home Run King” in Little League Baseball and was one of the best players on the All-Star teams. His long and high home runs were referred to as “BOMBS” by the other players and he was called the Mickey Mantle of Florence Little League.
In basketball, Gregg was one of the best players on a team that had a three-year record of 83 wins and only one loss, that coming in the finals of the State Tournament. In track, he was the fastest sprinter on the team, setting a state track record in the 100 yard dash at Appleby, leading the team to win the Alabama State Track Championship.
Gregg received a Bachelor’s Degree from Florence State University in 1970. After graduating college, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a sales manager in Food Service at Robert Orr/Sysco and later at Wood Fruitticher where he retired in 2015 with over 30 years service.
Gregg met Linda, the love of his life on July 2, 1985, 35 years to the day he went to Heaven. He loved the Lord dearly and was a dedicated member of The Church at Brook Hills.
Gregg had an engaging personality and was liked by all who met him. He loved his Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Charley Brown and Nicholas, along with his beloved Whiskers. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Joy Champion.
He is survived by his wife 34 years, Linda Stanley Champion; his two sons, whom he loved dearly and was so proud of, Chad (Christine) and Chris Champion; three grandchildren, who were the apples of his eyes, Chase, Abby and Cayden; his loving brother, James Edward “Jim” Champion; and beloved nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral service was held on Monday, July 6, 2020, at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home in Hoover, with Joe VanDyke officiating. Interment was in Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South. The family requests donations to TheCavalierRescue.org.
