Dr. Charles Champion Dead At 92

 

Dr. Charles Champion, the longtime Memphis pharmacist who operated Champion's Pharmacy and Herb Store in Whitehaven for generations, has died, according to his family. He was 92.

We mourn his departure but celebrate his incredible life and legacy. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Dr. Champion spent his career creating and providing remedies to treat many common illnesses. His dedication and love for people and his community were evident in his work. The joy Dr. Champion found in serving others was immeasurable," his family said.Charles Champion was born in 1930. He broke barriers and was likely the first Black pharmacist employed by a Memphis hospital and later a drugstore chain. In 2023, his family-owned pharmacy in Whitehaven is an anomaly in a city littered with pharmacy chains.

The pharmacy is known for its herbal remedies, some of which have their roots in scripture and were compounded by Champion, who dubbed himself a "biblical apothecarian."

"I dabble in pharmacy, and I dabble in religion," he said in a 2015 interview with The Commercial Appeal. One of his most famous herbal remedies is known as "minister's sips," a cure for hoarseness. Memphis City Councilwoman Patrice Robinson's father, a pastor, was one of Champion's customers.

"Whenever he needed something to keep the soreness and the hoarseness out of his voice, the place to go was to Dr. Champion," Robinson said. "He will truly be missed in this community."

Throughout his long career, Champion received numerous awards from professional associations, including the 1987 pharmacist of the year. He received a key to the city in 2019.

The man who gave him that key, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, said Champion "was a true champion" in a statement Saturday.

Robinson, who grew up going to Champion's store, recalled a man who cared about the neighborhood and was not afraid to get involved in civic issues.

"Some people don't want to get involved and get their hands dirty. He would get involved and make recommendations," Robinson said. "It was important to him to show up for the community."

Samuel Hardiman covers Memphis city government and politics for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by email at samuel.hardiman@commercialappeal.com or followed on Twitter at @samhardiman.

 

William Hudson Jr. October 1, 1939 til Friday, August, 23 , 2019

William Hudson, Jr.

Memphis - William Hudson, Jr., 79 was born on October 1, 1939 in Memphis TN. He passed away on Friday, August, 23 , 2019. Will Hudson was the President and General Manager of MATA from 1993 to 2013. He began his transit profession as a bus operator in 1964. For nearly 50 years, he held a number of management positions ultimately rising to the top. Through his leadership, MATA achieved numerous milestones including Central Station, the Trolley line, and the Airways Transit Center to name a few. 

A proud Booker T. Washington Warrior, Hudson was happily married to his wife Gracie for 60 years. A loyal member of the Monumental Baptist Church, Hudson was Chairman of the Trustee Board for over 30 years. Hudson also worked as a Reserve Officer for the Memphis Police Department for over 25 years. Hudson is preceded in death by his parents, William and Christine Hudson, brothers John Hudson and Archie Hudson and one sister, Carolyn Catron. He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Gracie Hudson, his son, Rodney B. Hudson (Tijuana), two grandsons, William Hudson, III and Christopher Hudson, one great-granddaughter Ryleigh Grace, four sisters Jacqueline Jackson, Gwendolyn (Alonzo) Williams, Willie Jean (William) Green, Marilyn (Robert) Scott, and two brothers Charlie Edward Hudson and Rev. Dr. Melvin Charles Smith. He leaves a host of nieces, nephews and extended family who deeply mourn his passing. 

Memorial services will be held on Friday, August 30, 2019 from 5-8 p.m. at Serenity Funeral Home, 1638 Sycamore View Road. Funeral Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Monumental Baptist Church, 704 S. Pkwy. E., Memphis, TN 38106. The family welcomes flowers and encourages donations to the Mid-South Food Bank, 3865 S. Perkins, Memphis, TN 38118. Please indicate in Memory of William Hudson, Jr./Hope for Hunger campaign. Or visit midsouthfoodbank.org. 

Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901) 379-0961.

Published in The Commercial Appeal from Aug. 24 to Aug. 29, 2019

Mr, William Hudson Jr. was born October 1, 1939 in Memphis, TN to Mrs. Christine and Mr. William Hudson Sr.  He was the second son of 10 children,  He confessed his faith in Christ at the age of 12 and was baptized at Greater White Stone Missionary Baptist Church. In 1959, he joined Monumental Baptist Church.

Hudson was a proud Booker T. Washington, Warrior, and graduate of Class of 1957.  In 1959 William was waiting to get a Haircut when Gracie Gray caught his eye, as she styled hair at her Beauty Salon booth.  One haircut changed their lives forever.  They married on July 19, 1959 in Memphis, TN.  From their union a son Rodney Hudson was born.

Hudson began his transit profession as a bus operator at MATA, in April, 1964.  For more than 50 years, he continually rose to the top holding numerous senior level positions including Director of Transit Operations.  Customer Service & Marketing, Labor Relations and Field operations.  In 1993 Hudson became the first African American President/General Manager of MATA. He was the top transit official in Memphis for 20 years and beloved by his colleagues, attaining several nicknames like Bossman, Bigfoot AKA Foot and don't forget those Hudson Holidays.

Through Hudson's Leadership came Memphis staples like the Trolley, Airways Transit Center, and Central Station 

(Including The Train & Trolley Museum, Amtrack, Memphis Farmer's Market, and Beautiful Downtown Apartments Cata-Lyzing Live, Work, Play Development In Downtown Memphis).

Id that was not enough to keep Hudson busy he simultaneously worked as a Reserve Memphis Police Officer for over 25 years.  He was a loyal member of Monumental Baptist Church for 60 years.  While there he held the position of Chairman of the Trustee Board and President of the October Club.  He was honored to serve under both Pastors, Samuel Kyles and Wade Bryant.

Reverend Melvin Charles Smith

As children William and his Brother Melvin were put off the bus for sitting too close to the front.  It became Hudson's life-long fight to to remove racial barriers and open doors for future generations.

He did just that, winning countless awards and recognition for his Leadership and Service to the Greater Memphis Community, including Downtowner of the Decade (2001).  Executive of the Year (Africa In April), And Tennessee Public Transportation Hall of Fame (2009) to name a few.  For years his transit safety program was considered a National Model.

William Hudson also served as the Chairman of both The mid-South Minority Business Council(MMBC) and Tennessede Public Transportation Association (TPTA).  He was 1999 Leadership Memphis Graduate and served ona host of local boards, including Memphis Food Bank, Riverfront Development Corporation, and The American Public Transportation Association.

Mr. Hudson was a dedicated family man who enjoyed spending time with his two grandsons and applauding all of their achievements.  He loved sports and looked forward to the Southern Heritage Classic each year. 

In his free time he enjoyed walking his dog BABY. or going to a Memphis Tigers Game.

He was preceded in death by his Parents, Two Brothers, Archie (Karen) Hudson and John (Monique) Hudson and one sister, Carolyn (Willie, deceased) Catron.  He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 60 years, Gracie Hudson, SonRodney Hudson (Tijuana), two Grandsons, William Hudson, III and Christopher Charles Hudson, One Great Granddaughter 

Ryleigh Grace Hudson

William Hudson' Sisters and Brother Charlie Edward Hudson

 Four Sisters, Jacqueline Jackson, Gwendolyn (Alonzo) Williams, Willie Jean (William) Green, Marilyn (Robert) Scott and two Brothers, Charlie Edward Hudson and Melvin (Billie deceases) Charles Smith.  Mr. Hudson enjoyed the company, Love, and Support of a host of neices, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In the words of Mr. Hudson, 

"Thats My Story And I'm Sticking To It."