Leon "Sonny" Champion

LEON “Sonny” J. CHAMPION JR, of Montour Falls, NY, passed away unexpectedly April 11, 2013 in Mt. Dora, Florida. Sonny was born on August 11, 1940 to Leon J. and Carolyn (Murphy) Champion Sr. in Reynoldsville, NY. He is survived by his wife Patricia of 47 years and their three children, James (Dulcie) Champion of Bristol, Virginia, Michelle (Greg) Harrington of Dundee, and Michael (Leah) Champion of Odessa. He was fortunate to call Tris “Sonny” Campbell, Mary Anne “Sissy” Campbell, and Rick (Terri) Campbell his family as well. Sonny was blessed with 12 grandchildren: Jeffrey, Lilia, Mary, Stephen, Timothy, Brooks, Chandler, Jacob, Krista (Carl) Standish, Dustin Campbell, Ian Campbell and Ryan Campbell. He was extremely excited to find out that he was going to be a Grampa for the 13th time to Chase Michael-Leon Champion in August. Also surviving is his sister, Audrey (Bob Guthrie) Chaffie; brother, Delbert Champion Sr.; niece, Terri (John) Sujko; and nephew, Chip (Sarah) Champion; and many other special nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents; and sisters, Edith Dewey, Patricia and Selma Champion; also sister-in-law, Bonnie Champion and family members, Tris “Dixie”, Mary and Sonny Campbell. Leon graduated from Charles O. Dickerson High School, Trumansburg, NY in 1959. He served in the US Army 1962-1964. He retired from Ontario/Trumansburg Telephone Co. in August 2002. After retiring, Sonny and Pat wintered in Paisley, Florida. Sonny’s favorite thing to do in Florida was visiting the Shockley Hills Club and the Paisley Assoc. Club where he had many friends. He loved to go to Spring Training. He was an avid NY Yankee Fan and a NY Giants fan! He loved to teach kids to play baseball and coached Hector Little League for many years. Sonny and Pat were often seen walking in Watkins and Florida. The family will receive friends and relatives at the Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home, 212 E. 4th St., Watkins Glen, from 1:00pm-3:00pm on Saturday, April 27, 2013, followed by a memorial service at the funeral home at 3:00pm. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice. You may express condolences to the family, sign the guestbook, or “Light a Candle” online at www.Royce-Chedzoy.com.