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In loving memory
Mr. A.J. Junior Champion, 89, died Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at his residence in Shady Dale.
He was born in Ellijay, Aug. 28, 1932, to the late Homer James Champion and Mary Elmina Reece Champion. He lived in Ellijay until moving his family to Shady Dale in 1963.
He married the late Margaret Eloise Jones Champion Dec. 9, 1949, and they were married for 67 years before her death in 2017. After moving to Shady Dale, he and Margaret owned and operated Champion Lumber Company.
He built pallets from 1968 until 1998; then he began cutting and selling rough cut lumber until 2022.
He was a former councilman and mayor of Shady Dale for over 30 years. He was instrumental in establishing the Shady Dale Volunteer Fire Department and the city water system. He served as the first fire chief for a number of years. He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Ellijay.
Everything that encompassed Shady Dale was his passion: his work, his l
ove of family, helping out with those in need, and spending time just talking to people.
He is preceded in death by brothers, Ermel Champion, Billy Champion and Leeman Champion.
He is survived by children, Larry (Joan) Champion, Karen (Fletcher) Bryan, Lynn (Paul) Ogletree and Gary (Cindy) Champion, of Shady Dale; grandchildren, Steven Champion, Kevin Champion, Larissa Ruark, DeAnne Greenway, Brandi McMichael, John Bryan Jr., Daphne Hrib, Paula Clark, Crystal Sweeney, Holly Geiman, Kimberly Young, Jessica Chandler and Mac Bedor; 33 great-grandchildren; five great great-grandchildren; and brother, Freeman Champion, of Ellijay.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2022, at Providence Baptist Church in Shady Dale.
Interment was in the church cemetery with the Rev. Edward Westbrook and the Rev. Wayne Ghann officiating.
Pallbearers were Steven Champion, Kevin Champion, John Bryan Jr., Terry Clark, Jason Greenway, Mike Hrib, Mac Bedor, James Greenway, Jacob Greenway, Jarrett Greenway, Jackson Greenway, K. C. Champion, Joseph McMichael and Nolan McMichael.
Donations can be made to Providence Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 231, Shady Dale, GA 31085.
Jordan Funeral Home, Inc.-Monticello was in charge of arrangements.