Conrad Ezell Champion

Conrad Ezell Champion, 70, of Childers Drive, Morganton, NC, died Thursday, December 22, 2005 at his residence following a lengthy illness. Born in Cleveland County, NC on September 29, 1935, he was a son of the late Furman Ezell Champion and Lucy Morrison Champion. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jack and Frank Champion. Conrad was a member of Friendly Freewill Baptist Church. He graduated from Piedmont High School in Lawndale, NC, served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict, and was a member of the Morganton American Legion Post #221. He retired from Drexel Furniture after thirty-two years.

Conrad is survived by his wife of thirty-nine years, Brenda Crotts Champion of the home; a son, Ronnie Champion of Morganton; a daughter, Reba Yancey and husband, Travis, of Connelly Springs, NC; a brother, Harold Fred Champion and wife, Deloris, of Lawndale, NC; two grandchildren, Ethan Champion and Zachary Brown; and a step-grandchild, Holden Yancey.

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 24, 2005 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Ben Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Burke Memorial Park with graveside rites to be performed by the Valdese American Legion Post #234. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at the residence, 4891 Childers Drive, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.