Mr. Champion was born in Tishomingo, Mississippi on November 17, 1922. He served two years in the Navy during World War II. He served 24 years in the Air Force before retiring in 1971. He then worked as a maintenance supervisor at Hayes Aircraft. Upon retirement from Hayes, he devoted his time to taking care of his family, making sure their every need was met. He selflessly put all others ahead of himself and was a man of strong faith, leading his family by the word of God. He remained active by babysitting all of his grandchildren, visiting his friends at Sneaky Pete’s, and being a member of Gardendale First Baptist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife, Jackie Champion; son, Ricky Champion (Michelle); daughter, Deborah Scoggins; grandchildren, Christa Duncan (Dwayne), Daniel Hobson (Amanda), Steven Hobson, Hayley Jordan (Trey), and Mason Champion; great grandchildren, Karleigh, Dawson, Stella, Everly Faith, Madeleine, Finleigh, Annaleigh, and Rylan; and host of nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John W. and Mary Champion; son, Dale Champion; brother, Bud Champion; sisters, Edna Taylor, Alice Twitty, Ruth Bailey, Eunice Noblet, and Helen Holland.
A celebration gathering for Leonard will be held Monday, February 17, 2020 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071. A celebration of life service will occur Monday, February 17, 2020 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071. A burial will occur at Oakwood Memorial Gardens, 2100 Moncrief Road, Gardendale, Alabama 35071.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the Champion family.
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