Thomas "TOP CAT" Champion, Sr. was born on July 11, 1937, to the late Lewis and Lizzie Champion, in Camden, South Carolina. He was the fifth of thirteen children. He was preceded in death by a son, Thomas, Jr.; a daughter, Gail Champion and a grandson, Gary Champion, Jr.
He was educated in Kershaw County Public Schools. He left South Carolina in 1957 to go to Englewood, New Jersey, where he became CEO of Champion, TWA Maintenance, (*WE ARE THE BEST, WE DO IT ALL*). He remained in that business for fifty-five years and after returning to South Carolina, he continued until his health began to fail. His work ethic will never be forgotten.
He loved fishing and cooking. He was definitely a workaholic. We remember watching him on stage singing and dancing. He is our hero and he will never be forgotten.
Thomas leaves to cherish his memory one daughter, Robbie Champion; one son, Gary ("Champ Da Barber") Champion of Camden, SC; three granddaughters, Shawana Champion of Englewood, NJ, Lenore Champion of New York City, NY and Aliyah Champion of Camden, SC; five grandsons, Yashim Champion of New York City, NY, Malik Champion of Portland, OR, Ibn Champion of Elizabeth, NJ, Nassir Champion of Camden, SC and Tysun Champion of New York City, NY; two great-granddaughters, Amya Champion of Baltimore, MD and Yaseira Champion of New York City NY; a great-grandson, Yashim Champion Jr. of New York City, NY; his siblings, Willie Mae Walker of Stamford, CT, Odessa James and Rev. Dorothy Robinson both of Bridgeport, CT, Lucille Champion of Shelton, CT, Nora Walker of Atlanta, GA, Richard Champion of Highland Lakes, NJ, Walter L. Champion of Camden, SC and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
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