In the early minutes of March 10, 2021, Johnny Ray Champion, 71 of Clayton, held onto the hands of his family as he peacefully left his earthly home and entered into the arms of our Heavenly Father.
A Celebration of his life will be held 11:00 am Monday, March 15, 2021 at Princeton Church, 6085 US 70 Hwy East, Princeton with Vance Taylor officiating. Private interment will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Clayton, NC. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM Sunday, March 14, 2021 at McLaurin Funeral Home, 12830 US 70 Business Highway West, Clayton, NC.
Ray was born February 14, 1950 in Apex, NC to the late Callie and late Retha Champion. He was also preceded in death by two of his devoted brothers, Johnny Earl Champion and Randy Champion. It was only fitting that a man with such a big heart was born on Valentine’s Day. To know Ray was to love him, and in turn, he loved others with a generosity and loyalty that never expected anything in return.
He grew up surrounded by his six siblings and many close cousins. They could tell the best stories about their adventures-- fast cars, pranks, and living large when the world was a much simpler place.
Ray’s life changed when a pretty blonde girl named Janice agreed to go on a blind date with him. He knew he had met his forever love. Married for 46 years, they raised three children, Melissa, Kelly, and Jay who adored their deddy more than any words can ever express. Together, Ray and Janice set a true example for their children of how to love through sickness and in health, good times and lean times. Ray worked hard as a mechanic and then as the owner of his own paint and body shop, always providing for his family above all else and always finding time to help a friend in need.
Ray faced many health issues throughout his life, and in true Ray Champion fashion, he fought through each one with determination. He received a life- saving kidney transplant from his sister, Ann, and that gift gave him 22 more years of life.
In those years, he found his favorite job and title-- Papa. He spoiled his 6 grandbabies with golf cart rides, chocolate chip pancakes, and snuggles on the couch and the occasional fly swatter threat. He discovered a love of travel that took him to California, the Grand Canyon, the slot machines in Vegas, and cruising through the Carribean. He never slowed down-- always a project in the barn, always helping his children at their houses, or trying to keep up with Janice’s honey-do list. He loved riding his 4 wheeler and recently became a proud pontoon boat captain. He always found time to check in with his family daily on his trusted flip phone, and we’ll miss him leaving us voicemail messages fussing about us not answering our “damn phones.” Uncle Tony said Ray was the best brother ever, and now we know that Uncle Tony will be here for us to lean on and tell us when our tires need to be rotated.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Janice Champion; his two doting daughters, Melissa Champion Hurst of Benson, Kelly Beasley and husband Jimmy of Selma; his baby boy Johnny Ray Champion, Jr. (Jay); six grandchildren, Tanner Williamson- the first apple of his eye and his best friend, Serenity Beasley- a granddaughter who he always called gal, Kaelyn Champion- his Dairy Queen buddy, Emily Hurst- who was spoiled by Papa’s pancakes made just for Emmie-Bee, Andrew Hurst- stubborn just like his Papa with a heart just as big who he was teaching to be the man of the house, and Holden Beasley- his last grandbaby who got his first dirt bike and his own personal gumball machine from Papa; his forever- 39 year old sister Betty Jewell Jones of Clayton, his selfless sister who shared a her kidney with him Ann Carroll and husband Mark of Holly Springs; two brothers, riding buddy and best friend Tony Champion and wife Lynn of Clayton, and baby brother Terry Champion of Raleigh; Mother-in-law who considered Ray her son, Nettie Cox of Clayton; numerous nieces and nephews.
While we are beyond heartbroken by our loss, we take comfort in knowing where Ray will spend eternity, safe in the arms of Jesus, and in the company of his many relatives and friends he’s lost over the past few years.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the doctors and nurses at UNC- Chapel Hill for their excellent, compassionate care they provided for him over the past 25 years.
In addition to flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to: Donate Life America.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.
McLaurin Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Champion family.
