Samuel “Mark” Champion, 54, of  Shelby, went home to the Lord after a courageous twelve month battle with pancreatic cancer.  Mark told very few friends about his illness, preferring to focus on other people’s circumstances and how he could make them better.  He was a cheerful and good hearted man, sharing his great sense of humor and good attitude with everyone.  He loved riding motorcycles, visiting with friends and making friends everywhere he went.

After a successful twenty year career with Eaton Corporation, Mark became a licensed contractor and built a profitable rental business into a second career.

Mark’s survivors include his son Jeremy Mark, Daughter-in-Law Elizabeth Youngblood, Grandchildren Hannah Grace and Lucas Mark, his love Ellen Grinstead Yunker, and his beloved miniature dachshund, Samson.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Martha “Mott” Poston Champion and Erwin Wilson Champion, Sr., as well as an older brother, Erwin Wilson “Butch” Champion, Jr.

A funeral service celebrating Mark’s life will be held on Monday, March 7, 2011 at 3:00 PM at Putnam Baptist Church with Pastor Bryan Glisson and the Rev. Jeff Brendle officiating.  The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 PM at Putnam Baptist, prior to the service.  Interment will occur at Elizabeth Baptist Church Cemetery immediately following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to a project that Mark became excited about just weeks before his death, the Nepal Building Fund c/o Putnam Baptist Church; 1146 County Home Road; Shelby, NC 28152.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Champion

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com