On Sunday, March 14, 2021, Matt Champion our beloved son, husband, brother, and friend unexpectedly departed this world for his heavenly home.
Matt was born April 23, 1984, in Leesburg, Florida, the son of Robert and Caroline Champion.
He graduated from Leesburg High School in 2002 and attended Florida Gulf Coast University. He worked for many years in the RV industry as a Certified RV Technician.
Matt loved the outdoors and especially loved being on the water. Long before he was old enough to get a driver’s license, he learned to navigate the Harris Chain of Lakes and visited all his friends by boat. Many years later, his love of the water led to him meeting the love of his life and future wife, Ryann. They met at The Hideaway in Tavares when Matt pulled up in a boat while she and her Mom were having lunch. Matt and Ryann shared a mutual love of animals, boating, travel, and outdoor adventures.
Matt always said their wedding day was the best day of his life.
Matt was funny, and kind, and good at so many different things. He hunted, fished, flew his own plane, rescued baby animals, and was an excellent cook. He had a reputation for being the guy who could start a campfire with wet wood. He was also known to dabble in pyrotechnics on special occasions. Matt was generous with his time and talents and would do anything to help others. He was a loyal friend, and he loved his family beyond words. Matt loved life and he lived it to its fullest.
Matt leaves behind his loving wife, Ryann Champion of Leesburg, FL, his parents, Bob and Caroline Champion of Leesburg, FL, brother-in-law Daniel Cary of Yalaha, FL, father-in-law, Nick Malone and his wife, Audrey of Tavares, FL, sister-in-law, Brittany and husband Steve of Mt. Dora, FL, and brother-in-law Dale Malone of Jacksonville, FL. He is also survived by his aunts Marjorie Meredith of Foscoe, NC, Eva Miller and husband Warren, of Deep Gap, NC, Mary Nelson and husband Bill of Leesburg, FL, and Alison Martin of Orlando, FL: uncles, Tom Meredith and wife Debbie of Ocala, FL, and Billy Martin and wife Columba of Leesburg, FL; also, many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Lastly, Matt leaves behind his beloved fur babies Ruby, Chance, Colt and Stormy.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Blair Champion and his grandparents, Keith and Bernell Meredith and Bill and Marion Martin. Also, his mother-in-law Debbie Malone, affectionately called “Mama Debbie”.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Morrison United Methodist Church in Leesburg, FL, on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 3:00 pm with visitation from 2:00pm – 3:00 pm. Following the service, a reception will be held at the Leesburg Boat Club located at 31 Dozier Circle, Leesburg, FL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation in St. Petersburg, FL or St. Jude’s Hospital for Children.
