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William Champlin Obituary
William G. Champlin passed away from natural causes on January 12, 2019. Bill was a native Pensacolian born October 02, 1921 to the late Henry Gardiner and Gladys Smith Champlin. He attended local schools and graduated from the University of Florida in 1943. He served in the European Theatre as a Captain in the United States Army during World War II, where he earned the Bronze Star. Later he was re-called to active duty during the Korean War.
In 1948 he married Catherine (Kitty) Brooks of Brewton, Alabama who died in 1980. Bill is survived by their children Gardiner (Jennifer) Champlin of Ramona, California, Brooks (Katherine) Champlin of Pensacola and Ryan (Beth) Champlin of Colleyville, Texas. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, as well as several close and dear cousins including Dr. Jack (Carolyn) Fleming, William (Phyllis) Fleming both of Pensacola and R.C. (Rosemary) Duncan of Pasadena, California.
In 1987, Bill married Nanna “Poussinette” Zamperetti Shane. Bill is also survived by Pousinette and his step-sons Michael (Nicoletta) Shane of Alexandria, Virginia and Peter Shane of Atlanta, Georgia.
Bill was a founding member of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church and was one of its first Senior Wardens. He served on the Escambia Civil Service Board and as a mediator in the Escambia Court System. He also furnished leadership to many civic organizations over the years and was the past president of the Pensacola Exchange Club. He was active in organizing the Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Florida and served on its first Board of Directors. Bill retired in 1982 as President of First Mutual Savings Association of Pensacola, which later merged into AmSouth Bank, and is now Regions Bank.
An ardent golfer and devoted sailor, Bill enjoyed travelling the world, enjoying fine wines and wonderful cuisine.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm Friday, January 18, 2019 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 3200 N 12th Ave, Pensacola, FL 32503. In lieu of flowers the family is accepting donations in Bill’s name to St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Covenant Care Hospice of Pensacola, the Pensacola Historical Society, or the charity of your choice. Fair seas and following wind ye good and faithful servant.
Memories and Condolences
for William Champlin
Doug Clements
November 19, 2020
My wife and I met Bill on a riverboat cruise that started in Budapest and ended in Holland. We both instantly liked him. He had a very affable manner, and humbly told me at a certain point in Germany that he had lost a lot of friends in battle right near where we were. I took his photograph right there, and we stayed in touch until he passed away. He was one of those rare people you instantly like and never forget. Just a truly fine man who served his country in battle and in peace. RIP, Bill...
Lt. Col. Michael H. Sarra, USA, (ret.)
January 19, 2019
May Mr. Champlin rest in peace. He was a fine gentleman. Sympathy and condolences to the family.
Mark Caro
January 18, 2019
My thoughts and prayers to Mr. Champlin's family. Although I did not know Mr. Champlin my Aunt, Martha Brown Jones worked many years for Mutual Federal retiring when AmSouth took them over. I always remember Aunt Martha talking fondly and respectfully of Mr. Champlin, I could tell she liked him very much and was happy working with him. My God comfort you all and may all of you remember the great life Mr. Champlin lived.
Mark Caro
Edward M. Chadbourne, Jr.
January 17, 2019
Dear Poussinette,
Ruth and I extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family relative to Bill's passing..
He sure was one of the finest men we ever knew.
Sincerely,
Ed Chadbourne
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January 17, 2019
Brooks-So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was a great guy and lived a full life.
Best, Chip Traynor-- Atlanta
Jeff Lewis
January 16, 2019
Condolences to the family. Mr. Champlin was a wonderful man who raised a wonderful family. Thoughts and prayers to you all as you reflect on a life well lived. With sympathy, Jeff Lewis
January 16, 2019
To Brooks and other family members, Please accept my condolences for your loss. May your many wonderful memories give you comfort in the coming days. I was honored to have served with Bill on the Escambia County Civil Service Board and recall him fondly.
C. David Walker
Pensacola
Andy Kelly
January 16, 2019
Gardiner, so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Its been many years but I still remember him and the times we spent together way back when. My best to you and your family.. Andy
Ryan Champlin
January 15, 2019
He was a wonderful father and great example of how to live an exceptional life.
Lloyd Tuggle
January 15, 2019
Bill certainly led a long and useful life.
He was always cheerful and a pleasure to be around.
Our sincere condolences to the Bill's family.
Lloyd and Jeannine Tuggle
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Funeral services provided by:
Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel - Pensacola2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32504