Jerry Champion

Jerry Champion, age 66, of Forest City, passed away Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Wilmington, NC. 

Jerry was born Sunday, August 25, 1957, in Rutherford County to the late Ace Champion and Bardee Hensley Champion. He was a graduate of R-S Central High School, class of 1976. Jerry worked as a machine operator for PPG Industries for forty-two years before his retirement. He most recently worked for Everest Security for several years. He was a lover of various genres of music which included being an avid Elvis fan. Jerry enjoyed watching sports and was a fan of the UNC Tarheels, Los Angeles Rams, and Atlanta Braves. He attended the Gilkey Church of God.  Jerry’s life was all about taking care of his family and spending time with them. He was the “Rock” of the family, who could always be leaned on. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Jessica Champion Sandlin. 

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of forty-eight years, Helen Champion; daughter, Cynthia Champion Calhoun (Sidney) of Mooresboro; son, Ace Jerry Champion (Sarah) of Myrtle Beach, SC; sister, Mary Denise Champion of Forest City; granddaughters, Alyssa Calhoun Hawkins (Ayden) and Bree Champion; niece, Gabreille Champion and a great nephew and great niece, Junior Champion, and Kalea Champion. 

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Monday, April 15th at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Sidney Calhoun, and Brother Ronnie Jeffords officiating. Interment will follow at Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.