James Ermel Champion: Obituary

Mr. James Ermel Champion, age 82 of Ellijay, GA, passed Monday morning, April 9^th, 2018 at his residence.

Mr. Champion was born December 9^th, 1935 in Ellijay, GA to his late parents, James Homer and Mary Elmina Reece Champion.  He was an ordained deacon of the Baptist faith, and loved hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.  Ermel worked as a self-employed carpenter.  He is preceded in death by his brothers, Leeman and Billy Champion.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Lillian Long Champion of the home in Ellijay, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Kelly Teal of Talking Rock, GA; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Sawyer and Meagan Pettit of Augusta, GA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Junior Champion of Shady Dale, GA and Freeman and Lynn Champion of Ellijay, GA;  step grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Adam and Brooke Teal of Marble Hill, GA; step granddaughter Lauren Teal of Cumming, GA; step great-grandchildren, Brody, Brock, and Charlee Teal; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, April 11^th, 2018 from the Macedonia Baptist Church with Bro. Larry Champion, Rev. Chris Chastain, Rev. Larry Waddell, Rev. Cecil Townley and Rev. Ryan Wilson officiating.  Music and class singing will be led by Kirk Champion, Regina Morgan, and Reggie Mathis.  Graveside interment will follow in the Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery with Larry Champion, Gary Champion, Dennis Todd, Jim Long, Jerry Long, Tim Long, Dennis Ralston, George Ralston, Steve Ralston, Kirk Champion, and Brian Nealey serving as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Prince, Reggie Mathis, Ruel Mathis, and Albert Norris.

Family will receive friends from 1pm until 9pm on Tuesday, April 10^th, 2018 at the Logan Funeral Home.

Flowers are acceptable, or memorial contributions may be made to the Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Dennis Ralston, 117 River Lane, Ellijay, GA 30536 in memory of Mr. Champion.