Champion, Norris Nelson, Sr., left his temporary home to go to his permanent home with the Lord, Jesus Christ on June 18, 2018. He was born on February 15, 1925 and was the 8th of 13 children born to Maude DeRamus and John Parker Champion. Norris was reared in Independence, Alabama and later moved to Prattville, Alabama. He was the last survivor of his thirteen brothers and sisters.
Norris was married to Eugenia Champion (deceased) for over 61 years and they had 4 children; Rebecca (Spencer) Oates, Mary Ann (Malcom) McDonald, Nelson (Lisa) Champion and Randy Champion (deceased). Norris and Eugenia had five grandchildren, Spence Oates, Ashley (Jared) Miller, Malcom McDonald, Blake Champion and Morgan McDonald. They also had 2 great grandchildren, Bentley and Kylee McDonald.
Norris had a long career in law enforcement which began in 1958 when he became a deputy sheriff to Autauga County Sheriff George Grant. He remained with the sheriff’s department until 1966 when he became employed with the Prattville Police Department under Chief Obie Thompson. In 1968 Norris was appointed as assistant chief and in 1973 Norris was appointed as Chief of Prattville Police Department and served in that capacity until around 1984. In 1986 Norris retired at the rank of Captain. Norris is a charter member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Prattville.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM Friday June 22nd at Trinity United Methodist Church with Pastors Fred Bailey and Henry Williams officiating. Burial with military honors followed in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Spence Oates, Malcom McDonald, Blake Champion, Jared Miller. Danny Champion and Stanley Champion. Honorary pallbearers were the “Hospital Coffee Club”, present and past members of the Prattville Police Department.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Trinity Methodist Church Building Fund, 610 Fairview Avenue, Prattville, Alabama 36066.
