Mackray Champ

Mackray Champ, transitioned after a battle with stomach cancer on October 21, 2019 at 7:31pm, at the age of 78 years old. He passed in the home of his son, in Sacramento, California with his family at his side. Mackray was born June 5, 1941 in Columbus, TX to the late Clyde and Cora Champ. Mack attended Booker T. Washington High School and graduated in 1959. He then joined the United States Air Force later that year. In 1961 he received orders to Bremerhaven Army Base, Germany, Lakenheath AFB, England (1967-1969), McClellan AFB, Sacramento, California (1969-1971), Vietnam War (1970-1971), Rhein Main AFB, Germany (1971-1976), Tehran, Iran (1975) and Edwards AFB, California (1976-1980). After retiring from USAF, he went on to work as a civilian with the federal government until his retirement in 2002. He met his wife Lulu in (1964) Copenhagen, Denmark. His son Andrew was born in Germany, and Jeff was born in England. In retirement, he enjoyed his family, taking care of his garden, fishing and helping individuals with disabilities play golf. Mack had his first Hole-In-One in 1967 at Windy Acres Golf Course in Bremerhaven, Germany. As his grandson pursues greatness in the game that he himself loved so much, Mack always beamed with pride when he got to watch his grandson play golf on TV, especially the first time. Beloved husband of Lulu Champ until her passing in 2014. Greatly missed by his two children, Jeff and Andrew and his daughters in-law, Lisa Champ and Rowena Champ. Forever remembered by grandchildren, Vanessa, Rachel, Cameron, Madison, Chancellor, Brent and Melissa; and by great-grandchildren, Kiana, Jaleesa, Jocelyn, Ryan, Savannah, Hadley and Everett. Survived by siblings; Glidell, Alva Lee, Melvin, Joe, Edward and Emma and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Preceded in death by his mother and father Cora and Clyde, Siblings, Ruth, Mary Lou, Clyde and Overlyn. We will all miss his signature ear-to-ear smile, and the pure joy in his laughter. He was a man unlike any other. He was the true example of to live is to love. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.