Dave Millard Champion, 68, of North Augusta, South Carolina, passed away peacefully in his home on September 29, 2021. Dave was born on August 21, 1953, in Macon, Georgia, to Thomas and Martha Jeanette (neé Jones) Champion. Dave was raised in Macon and Warner Robins with his brother, Michael Champion. Dave served in the U.S. Army for eight years, from 1972 through 1980, during which he completed medical technologist training and certification at Baylor University in San Antonio, Texas. While in Texas, Dave met and married Terri Lynn (neé Dominey) Champion, to whom he was married for 29 years, from 1977 until 2005. Together, they welcomed and raised five daughters.
Following his honorable discharge from the military, Dave moved his family to Port Charlotte, Florida, where he worked as a medical technologist in the laboratories of local hospitals for more than 20 years. Dave was also a talented guitar and banjo player, and his daughters have vivid memories of him serenading them while strumming his beloved Martin & Co. six string acoustic. Dave also enjoyed rebuilding classic American muscle cars and riding Harley Davidson motorcycles in his spare time. He was a fan of 1950 and 60s Americana, and you could often catch him watching reruns of “The Twilight Zone” and “The Andy Griffith Show.”
Dave is predeceased by his father, Thomas Champion; his mother, Martha J. (neé Jones) Barnard; and his brother, Michael Champion. Dave is survived by his brother, Brian Champion (Marie), of Hamden, Ohio; children Michelle R. Champion, of Sarasota, Florida; Erica M. Champion, of Atlanta, Georgia; Serena N. (Steven) Miller, of Orlando, Florida; Victoria Champion (Brian Burchett), of Cumming, Georgia; Angelique J. (Eddie) Arguelles of Florida; and six grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home in Macon, Georgia. Viewing will immediately precede the service from 10-11:00 a.m. Dave will be laid to rest with his mother at Macon Memorial Park Cemetery in Macon, Georgia, at a later date to be announced. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to Miracle Hill Overcomers Center, 1916 N. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29609.
Visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.
Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery has charge of the arrangements.
