LEONARD CHAMPION

1910-1990

AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Reverend Leonard Champion was the seventh child of Dock and Henrietta Champion, born June 4, 1911.  He was married to Mable Barlow.  He had two biological children, Izola West and George Fishe.  He had one stepdaughter, Mary Lizzie. He had 19 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 37 great great-grandchildren.  Reverend Leonard Champion spent his childhood and most of his adult life farming on his own farmland, harvesting cotton and a variety of vegetables.  The remainder of his years, up until retirement he was employed at Manhattan Shirt Factory.  He was laid to rest on April 30, 1990 at the age of 78.

A REFLECTION

It is my pleasure to honor Leonard Champion the first son of Heneritta and Dock Champion born in 1910. 

Leonard Champion was my maternal grandfather who we affectionately called PAPA!  Papa was a one of a kind.

First he was a man of God.  With his limited education he studied the Bible daily.  He often described himself as a Jesus look at like, his red eyes like flames of fire, his uncut white hair lambs wool and feet like polished brass, I must confess features he did have. 

Papa meant what he said and said what he meant. Often times we saw the humor but he was very serious. For example, Papa gave his mule a command to GEE (meaning to go) or HAW (meaning to stop) but the mule refused to obey as a result Papa shot a caping hole in him. 

Papa was the family great protector.  Every time storms clouds would appear Papa would disconnect the COURAGE (that’s the electrical power) and gather the family and head to Uncle Dock house for safety.

Papa was fearless. He was not afraid to help get the pigs and cows back in the hog pen or pasture, go into a burning house to rescue family members or use his sawed off shot gun.

Papa made sure we were well fed. His children never wondered about the next meal.  We always had fresh home grown food.

As you can see Papa was truly loved, valued, and appreciated.  Our lives are better and enriched by his unselfish acts of compassion, love, and devotion.  He left us with so many memories that we continue to share with many generations.