William J. Champion Jr.

William J. Champion, Jr. of Raleigh, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother died surrounded by family Saturday January 17th. William will always be remembered for his love of his family, his sense of humor and his courage during tough times. A Raleigh native, William attended Hugh Morrison High School and was a lifetime member of Edenton Street United Methodist Church.

William graduated from Wake Forest College in 1954 and served his country overseas in the US Army during the Korean War. William was truly dedicated to his wife of 56 years and family and faithful to his church. He had a successful financial career in private and government sectors. After retiring, William volunteered at Duke Raleigh Hospital for 13 years.

William was fondly known as Bill to his banking associates, Hatch to his fraternity brothers and close family, Champ or Mr. “C” to everyone he met and befriended. He will be sorely missed, but often remembered. Sharp till the end, his quotes will live on through his many friends.

His daughters feel honored to have had a father that always encouraged them, laughed with them, and taught them to face adversity with grace and courage. We loved our father very much and he will be in our hearts forever.

William is survived by his wife Josephine; daughters, Jane and her husband Gary Folk, Suzanne and her husband Mark Williams; grandchildren Addie Folk, Hannah and Lauren Williams.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 20th , 2:30 PM at Edenton Street United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in the Memory of William to Edenton St. UMC.