Gaither A. "Buddy" Champion, Jr.

A service in memory of Gaither Allen “Buddy” Champion, Jr., 82, of Lexington, will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. The Reverend Gary Loadholdt will officiate. The family will greet friends at a reception in the Fellowship Hall following the service. A private inurnment will take place at Fort Jackson National Cemetery at a later date. Gaither (known as Buddy) passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. He was born in Raleigh, North Carolina, on March 6, 1942, to Gaither A. Champion, Sr. and Mary Beasley Champion. Gaither (Buddy) served his country in the United States Navy and attended King’s Business College in Raleigh, North Carolina. After his service, he was employed by Brown and Williamson Tobacco Corporation in Raleigh. In 1974, he transferred to Columbia where he was an account manager for special markets with Brown and Williamson Tobacco Corporation. Buddy also designed, built, and owned Hilton Boat and Mini-warehouse Storage. He enjoyed boating, fishing, being in the water, and talking. He had a gift for “gab” and never met a stranger. All who knew him, even those who didn’t, knew he was an authority on any subject. Buddy and his wife, Carolyn, and friends were worldwide travelers. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. Gaither is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Carolyn Wheeler Champion; his son, Gaither Allen Champion, III, (Terri); and his daughter, Deborah Champion Cousins (Luther). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kristina and Dylan Champion; his sister, Linda Champion Williams; and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gaither and Mary Champion; sisters, Ann Williams and Sue Woodard; and nephew, Jeff Dunham. The family extends sincere appreciation for medical care, support, and compassion to Dr. Michael Marshall, Latoya Hinton, and staff at Carolina Pulmonary & Critical Care, Lexington Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a gift in Buddy’s memory to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 525 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210.