Eugene McAvoy Champion Sr.

Eugene McAvoy Champion, Sr. February 20, 1932 – July 1, 2026 Eugene McAvoy Champion, Sr. was born February 20, 1932 in Lapine, AL. He grew up in Highland Home, AL with his parents Leon Quintus and Carol Newton Champion, and two brothers Leon Champion, Jr. and Frank Champion. Gene graduated from Highland Home High School and married his high school sweetheart Bobbie Laurie Royal, then served four years in the US Air Force. After his military service, he attended and graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in accounting. Gene and Bobbie had six children: infant Thomas, deceased; Cindy (Shawn) Snider, Mac (Michele) Champion, Becky (Barry) Chriestenson, Amy (David) Bice, Bob (Kathleen) Champion. They were married 24 years before Bobbie passed away from cancer. Gene moved to Prattville, AL in 1979 and soon married Margaret Wells Scott and gained three more children; Emalyn Scott Clark, Duane Scott, and Derek (Casie) Scott. They were married for 46 years at his passing. Gene worked as a Certified Public Accountant for more than fifty-five years, retiring in 2022. He began his career as an accountant serving in the cities of Selma, Enterprise, Montgomery and Prattville. After working for a Montgomery based steel company and a regional development company, he went to work for the State of Alabama with Medicaid until 1999. Gene served as a member of the International Lions Club beginning in 1957 in Selma. He was later a member in Enterprise, Montgomery and currently Prattville. He was president of the Prattville Lions Club and received the highest honor of the Melvin Jones Award. His greatest accomplishment while at the Prattville Club was the “master of the stew” during the annual fourth of July barbeque sale. Gene was a dedicated church member. He has been a member of First Baptist Church of Prattville since 1979. He served as a Deacon and on the finance committee. In addition to the church, he was part of Gideons International. Gene and Margaret enjoyed being a part of the Boll Weevil RV Club and traveling around the country in their RV. Gene is survived by his wife and children. His grandchildren; Shea (Ben) Miller, Seth (Elizabeth) Snider; Brittney Champion, Ben (Jonathan) Champion; Michael (Denise) Baker, Rachel (Austin) Ragland, Shannon Witt, Brooke (Matt) Meynardie, Barry (Codi) Chriestenson II; Colby (Melody) Welty, Jacob (Jessica) Welty, David Landon Bice, Taylor Bice; Ellery Scott; Buzz Champion, Mae Champion; Emma Scott, Lillian Scott. His great-grandchildren; Shaw, Collins and Tucker Nile Miller; Finley and Bobby Snider; Zoe Champion and Logan Tucker; Silas and Seth Baker; Damien and Kaleb Ragland; Rebecca and Phillip Witt and Olivia Warren; Andrew and Holly Meynardie; Kayden and Zachary Chriestenson; Bryson McKnight. “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” Psalm 127:4-5 Pallbearers: Micheal Baker, Seth Snider, Colby Welty, Ben Champion, Buzz Champion and David Landon Bice. Honorary Pallbearers: Bob Thornton, George Walthall, CW White, Bennie Bell, Harold Hammond, Chan Aldridge, and David White. Service arrangements: Sunday, July 5, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Prattville Al at 3:00 PM. Visitation held at 2:00 PM, one hour prior to the service. Graveside service: Monday, July 6, 2026 at Rocky Mount Cemetery, Highland Home, AL at 11:30 AM.

Eugene McAvoy Champion Sr.

February 20, 1932 - July 1, 2026