Mr. Champion was a native of Polk County and was the son of Daisy Thompson Champion, who lives in Green Creek, and the late Hugh Butler Champion. Hoyt&squo;s priorities were taking care of his family, his church and his friends. He had a great love for gardening and sharing its harvest. He was a member of Beulah Baptist Church, where he has been a deacon for 35 years and chairman of the deacons since 2003. He was also the church secretary/treasurer, taught Sunday school and had a passion for going on mission trips.

Left cherishing fond memories are his wife of 48 years, Martha Greene Champion of the home; daughter, Donna Champion Hodges and husband Dan of Lake Toxaway, N.C.; a son, Michael Champion and wife Lori of Tryon. Also surviving are grandchildren, Derek and Haley Champion of Tryon; a brother, Phillip Champion and wife Becky of Mill Spring; a sister, Brenda Lanford and husband Mickey of Green Creek; four aunts, five nieces and nephews and lots of devoted cousins

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, June 5, 2009 in Beulah Baptist Church, Tryon, with Dr. Joel Wright officiating.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:30&bsp; to 8 p.m. Thursday evening in the McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, N.C. 28722 or to Beulah Baptist Church Building Fund, 4820 Peniel Road, Tryon, N.C. 28782.

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon is in charge of arrangements.