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.
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