Billie H. Champion

Billie Harrell Champion, age 65, of Greenville, passed away February 18, 2023.  His family will be holding a Memorial Service at the Yacht Club in Rockwall, Texas Saturday March 11, 2023 at 11:00am.

Billie was born October 19, 1957 in Greenville, Texas to James and Kathleen Champion.  He was the second youngest of 17 children.  As a child he enjoyed climbing trees and playing football with his siblings. Billie attended Fredrick Douglas Elementary School in Pittsburg, Texas, Greenville (Texas) Middle School and then Greenville Sr. High School.

After attending high school Billie enlisted in the Navy, and was honorably discharged.  His life took him to many places where he ultimately settled in Everett, Washington.  He spent several decades in Everett, and enjoyed the marina, picturesque sunsets and its scenic mountain views.  He was a diehard Seattle Seahawks fan and took pride in only being 25 miles away from Seattle, Washington. In 2016 the Lord called Billie back home to Greenville where he became a first-time homeowner.  He was forever proud to be a homeowner.

Billie had a love and passion for motorcycles.  When he rode them, he felt the most freedom and adventure.  Prior to his cancer diagnosis, Billie looked forward to riding his motorcycle on a cross country bike ride.  Billie was also a dog lover.  He adored and cherished Lil’ Bit, and his beloved Bonnie and Clyde.

Billie was a well-rounded jack of all trades.  He was great with his hands and could fix or create just about anything.  From small construction jobs, to fixing countless cars, or assembling the grandkids’ toys he could fix or build anything.  He had great conversation and loved to talk about life, politics and the law.  Billie gave the best advice.  He was unique, smart, had a great sense of humor and was also “billy goat” stubborn.

Billie is survived by his oldest daughter, Tyrongula Craddock (Edward Palmer II) and children: Tra’Jon Sheppard, I‘Quasha Fountain (Justice Fountain) and Roderick Pruitt, Jr.; his youngest daughter, Darlisha Champion-Williams (Forrest Eugene Williams) and children: Pharaoh Williams and Psalms Williams; and siblings: Charlie Eddie Champion (Priscilla Champion), Odell Champion (Thelma Champion) and Cathy Ann Champion Dukes (David Dukes).  He is also survived by his special Aunt Bonnie, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Billie is preceded in death by his parents -- James and Kathleen Champion -- and his siblings Willie James Champion, Maggie Leen Champion Hardermon, Josie Mae Champion, Mac Arthur Champion, Lillie Pearl Champion Blaylock, Eddie Carrel Champion, Flora Jean Champion, Melvin Lee Champion, Otis Clyde Champion, Jonell Champion, Roy Lee Champion, Jolene Champion and Leonard Charles Champion.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Billie Harrell Champion Saturday March 11, 2023 at 11:00am. The memorial service will be held in the S.S. Lounge of The Yacht Club (located inside the neighborhood of Chandlers Landing: 501 Yacht Club Dr, Rockwall, TX 75032).