Ronald "Rj" Champion

Rev. Ronald “RJ” Champion, 61, departed this life at Deaconess Midtown Hospital on Saturday, December 1, 2018.
He was born on February 17, 1957 in Gary, Indiana to Mabel Lee (Boyd) Champion and Jimmie Lee Champion.
He married Brigitte Purcell on December 24, 1982 and they raised two beautiful daughters, Marissa Renee and Kamilah Allyn.
Ronald received a degree in accounting at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana and later obtained computer certifications and accreditations through ITT in Evansville, Indiana.
He worked as a salesperson at Lazarus in Eastland Mall, an agent for Primerica Life Insurance Company, and an instructor at Earle C. Clements Job Corps Center in Morganfield, Kentucky before achieving his dream of establishing his own business, Champion Business and Tax Consulting now known as Champion Computer Service, which has been in operation for 30 years. In addition, he provided accounting and bookkeeping services for small business owners and prepared taxes.
Ronald was a member of Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church. There, he was ordained as a deacon on September 21, 1986 and months later, on February 8, 1987 announced his calling to the ministry. He served under the pastorates of Rev. J.L. Trask and Rev. Larry Rascoe, Sr. until he accepted the call as pastor of Canaan Missionary Baptist Church in Evansville, Indiana. Ronald served diligently in the Southern District Association for a number of years.
“Champ” as he was affectionately called enjoyed maintaining his connections with his Omega Psi Phi Fraternity brothers as well as his Horace Mann and ISU friends at homecomings and reunions as well as visits just to hang out with other friends from his days working in the Upward Bound Program. He was always thirsty for knowledge and thus was an avid reader for pleasure and self-advocacy. “Champ” enjoyed watching sports and had been a big Chicago Bear fan back in the day. He often shared his story about shooting hoops in the intramural gym at ISU with Larry Bird during his days on campus. Some of his greatest highlights were the privilege of working on the 2008 local Democratic Campaign to elect then, Senator Barack Obama as President of the United States, selling t-shirts before hearing him speak at Roberts Stadium, and then heading to Washington, DC to participate in the inaugural events after he became the 44th President of the United States.
“Champ” was especially proud of the “Champion” name and cherished the memories of growing up under his straight-shooting dad, Jimmie Lee and the tutelage of Granddaddy Robert, Granny Champ (Mellie), Auntie Champ (Christine Isabell) and Uncle Simmie Isabell, and all of the aunts and uncles! They had instilled in him a love of God and family, work ethic, while modeling perseverance, self-confidence, and a determination to succeed. In recent months, he began to reach back, drawing strength from those roots through conversations with his Uncle Carl and Uncle Charles. He had also been working toward and looking forward with great hope to a reunion with his nieces and nephews.
“The Girls” became the beneficiaries of the very attributes and qualities that had been entrusted to him. As a loving father, Ronald was supportive, encouraging, and straight-forward in his advice and opinions regarding their decisions and endeavors. They always knew that he loved them … “You know Daddy loves you” … he’d often say. He was afforded one of his greatest honors and privileges of baptizing both of “The Girls” on November 14, 1999 at Smithfield Baptist Church.
“Champ” used to remind Marissa and Kamilah of Granny Champ’s saying … “There’s nothing a Champ can’t do.” and of his frat’s pledge phrase … “You’ve got to be strong.”. To know him, whether as “Ronald”, “RJ” or “Champ” was to know that these words were evident throughout his journey through this life even until the very end.
My Dearest Champ --- May you now rest in peace, basking in the love of the ALMIGHTY! Marissa, Kamilah, and I have loved you and will miss you terribly. Love, with all my heart --- Brig
Rev. Ronald “RJ” Champion was preceded in death by his mother, Mabel and his father, Jimmie; a sister, Shelia Champion, and two brothers, Michael and James “Steve” Champion.
Rev. Ronald “RJ” Champion is survived by his life companion, Brigitte; two loving daughters, Marissa Renee of Bloomington, Indiana and Kamilah Allyn of Columbus, Ohio; three sisters, Stephanie Champion of Oxford, Indiana and Kimberly and Sharon Champion both of Gary, Indiana; two very special friends, Shirley Mabrey of Henderson, Kentucky and Vicky Kimbrew of Evansville, Indiana; and many relatives, loved ones, and friends.
Oh, hear my prayer Eternal Father, who gave me the knowledge of Life, through Jesus Christ.