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William Gupton Obituary
Arlington, tn
William J. Gupton, Jr. was born to William J. Gupton, Sr. and Dorothy Ann Gupton. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Diane Gupton; son, William (Markia) Gupton, III "Trey"; grandchildren, Akilah Sanai Gupton, Jay Greer, and Jarquias Greer; his life-long sister, Kathy (Mike) Mays, and Godchildren, Kaylor Murray and Michael Murray.
William, Jr. was born on the night that his father, Coach Gupton, led the Pearl High School basketball team to its first of several THSAA State Basketball Championships, thus the origin of his lifelong nickname "Champ".
Champ became an elite multi-sport athlete in his own right on the basketball and baseball teams at Father Ryan (class of 1976) and ultimately at Tennessee State University in the late 1970's. Since then Champ has certainly been most well-known as an avid and outstanding golfer.
William Gupton, Jr. obtained both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Tennessee State University. He began his career serving and counseling those with addictions, eventually working for Corrections Corporation of America (CCA, now Core Civic) and then the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), ultimately becoming an Assistant Commissioner. Mr. Gupton was appointed Director of Corrections for Shelby County Government in 2014 under the leadership of Mayor Luttrell where he cherished his opportunity to serve, adored his staff, and was truly thankful to those who entrusted him in this role.
Champ was widely known as one of the most kind and likeable person anyone could know. He had an infectious spirit and he dressed to match it. He will be missed by many, and his effect on so many lives will always be remembered.
Special thanks to Crossroads Hospice (Tina, Ashley, and Pat), and the West Cancer Center who always treated William with wonderful care.
Services will be held on Thursday June 7 at Hope Church: 8500 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN 38018. Visitation, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Funeral at 12 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Gupton
Sponsored by Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery.
Karen & Brian VanCamo
February 2, 2021
Both Brian and myself just heard of the passing of Bill. We think of him often. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Paul Miller
June 1, 2019
Diane, I think of you often. It will get easier and I will continue to pray for your comfort.
May 31, 2019
Sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Gupton. Death is never easy but know that God knows your pain and will give you strength and comfort at this time. Condolences to the family and friends.
Rhonda Harris
May 30, 2019
Gone but not forgotten
Paul MILLER
June 12, 2018
Diane, our prayers are with you. Paul and Pat Miller
Jeffery Champion
June 11, 2018
To William Gupton Family, I like to humbly express my condolences of the home going of my namesake "Champ". Going back to our college days, we were brothers by nickname and our fraternal connection. Between the two of us, we caused good confusion and conversation alike, nevertheless, I remember talking to him years ago he was pursuing a career in rehabilitating people lives. I'm so proud of him for his achievement, but knowing him, he probably thought his work was unfinished. He will be truly missed. My most fondest memory of Champ is playing baseball at TSU and being a part of the AT Triple C's; Chey, Cheese, and Champ. My chapter brothers playing ball on the diamond. May God continue to bless you family and let Champ's legacy live on.
Raphael Crawford
June 9, 2018
Sending prayers and positive energy your way. Diane, I am sending special prayers up for you.
Pennie Futrell- Smith
June 8, 2018
Bill will truly be missed, his character and personality stood out wherever he went. I've worked with Bill for numerous years in corrections, and honestly he taught me how to manage not only my staff and therapeutic population, but how to manage and control my fear of challenges in my career. God Bless his family and friends.
June 7, 2018
The Gupton family is in my prayers. TRounds
Julius Witherspoon
June 6, 2018
RIP Champ, May God continue to bless Diane and the family. North Nashville will miss you. Wharton, Pearl High and TSU mourns your loss.
George Guynn
June 6, 2018
I can't say enough about Bills love for others. He impacted so many via his efforts in treatment programming, and that gift he left will impact others as that effort impacted children, neighbors, and co workers. What a Blessing that I was able to know this man.
June 6, 2018
Champ, I will always cherish the great times you and i played golf together. As you would always say, " we have a three and a press for life". Thanks for the encouraging words you shared. i truly will cherish the great spiritual conversation i had with Diane as we played golf together. Diane and family, continue to trust in God, who can get you through this time of sorrow. Champ, I'm sure Heaven has some great golf courses. Make us a Tee Time. See you on the other side. I love you my brother.
Ted Rhodes Cooper
Brian Abernathy
June 5, 2018
My prayers are with the entire Gupton family and Champ's fraternity brothers during this time of transition. Champ was always a champion. I had the privilege of playing on at least one baseball and one basketball championship with Champ while growing up. He was an awesome pitcher in baseball and had a very reliable basketball jump shot. He had a great sense of humor and always prodded us younger guys to be better. The schools of St. Vincent DePaul, Father Ryan and Tennessee State University are known for creating giants. Champ was a product of all three. Rest in Peace My Buddy!
Frando Patterson
June 5, 2018
My prayers are with his family - he was a great ball player and I still have the fond memories of playing with him as a kid for Kappa Kittens - rest in peace my friend
Nancy and Jim Langdon
June 5, 2018
Jim and I send our love and prayers. We thought so highly of Champ, Dorothy and Trey.
Nancy and Jim Langdon
joe ransom
June 5, 2018
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Renee Jackson
June 4, 2018
You will be greatly missed. I will always remember the jokes sitting on Bizz doorstep. My condolences to the family.
Staff of Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery
June 5, 2018
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
June 4, 2018
Mr. Gupton was a caring and genuine individual. He was truly a great person and will be greatly missed.
Rhonda Harris
June 4, 2018
Please accept my condolences to the family of Champ Gupton. He will be missed
R. Tim O'Dell
June 4, 2018
Bill Gupton was a wonderful man, a good friend, and a man with deep passion for others. I had the privilege of working with Bill for several years in treatment programming. He forever impacted my life and I am most grateful for having known him. My prayers go with Diane and Bill's family at this time of love. Blessings.
Terence Davis
June 3, 2018
"Champ" was an amazing man and spirit, I will miss him and his infectious smile and laugh.
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