Samuel "Sam" Eugene Champion Sr., 75, Fayetteville, died June 15, 2009. He was born Sept. 25, 1933. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lena Franklin Champion, and brothers, Ralph Champion, Glenn Champion, and Earl Champion. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving from 1956 to 1957. He moved to Fayetteville in 1968. He was self-employed for several years as co-owner of Champion-Jarvis Grading Company. In 1976 he was the first paid fireman for the City of Fayetteville, and a lifelong member of the Fire Departments for Fayetteville and Fayette County. He was instrumental in hiring the first paid firefighter for Fayette County in 1980 and Fayette County Fire Station #4 is named in his honor. He served as the Warden of Fayette County until prisoners were no longer held in the county and then served as the road superintendent for the county until his retirement in 1997, He also worked part-time for nine years with the Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home. Services were at the Overton Chapel, Fayetteville First Baptist Church with the Rev. Glenn Stringham officiating. Interment was at Camp Memorial Park, Fayetteville.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Peggy Jean Palmer Champion, Fayetteville; children, Sammy and Connie Champion, Robin and Joe Scarborough, and Neil Champion, all of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Jason Champion, Amy Scarborough, Joseph Scarborough, and Thomas Champion; a brother-in-law, Dale and Phillis Palmer, Elijay; and sisters-in-law, Ruth Champion, Calhoun, and Gail and Ken Jordan, Ellijay. Memorial donations may be made to the Fayetteville First Baptist Church or Hospice Advantage, 101 Yorktown Dr., Fayetteville, GA 30214. Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Fayetteville, was in charge.