James "Byron" Champion

November 26, 1943 - January 13, 2022

Byron was born in 1943 to Henry Colvin and Vernon Conola Champion in Talladega, AL. Lincoln High School Graduate, Class of 1964. He was drafted into the Army and served from ’66 - ’68 then joined and served from ’72 - ‘75. During that time, he served as a SP4 and earned the National Defense Service Metal and a Sharpshooter Recognition Award. To many, Byron was known as the “fisherman” and for his long grey beard. He enjoyed spending his days fishing with his brother Jerry and being able to share his catch with others. It was not uncommon to find him under a pecan tree, picking up pecans and shelling them for his friends and family. Byron was proceeded in death by his parents Colvin and Conola Champion, his wife, Diane Bearden Champion, sister Sue Champion Patterson and niece Rita Moxley Powell. Survived in death by his daughter Rita (Shawn) Ankerich and her siblings Kristy (Jodey) Hogeland, and Chris Bearden. Siblings Marie (Bobby) Payne, Judy Rouse, and Jerry (Minda) Champion. Several nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Providence Baptist Church, 750 Providence Road Talladega, AL 35160 At 2:00 P.M. Fellowship and food to follow.