Louie L. Champion, 89, died June 20, 2009, at Indian River Medical Center. He was born in Hamilton, Ga., and lived in Indian River County for 66 years, coming from Georgia. He was employed as a lineman in the aircraft industry. He served with the Navy in World War II. He was a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church where he served as one of the first founding members, deacon, Sunday school teacher and former Sunday school superintendent.
Survivors include his sons, Louie Champion Jr., Jackie Byrth, of California, Henry Champion, of Columbus, Ga., Michael Carter, of Pennsylvania, and Kevin Champion, of Vero Beach; daughters, Mary Champion-Powell and Carolyn Champion, both of Vero Beach, and Jacquline Cunningham, of Chicago; 16 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Bettye J. Champion; son, Malcolm Carter; and sister, Odessa Williams.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. June 26 at Stone Brothers Funeral Chapel, Gifford. A home-going celebration will be at 11 a.m. June 27 at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Gifford. Burial will follow in Gifford Cemetery.
Arrangements are by Stone Brothers Funeral Chapel. A guest book may be signed at stonebrothersfuneralhome.com.