Thomas Franklin Champion “Tom”, age 77, of Chase City, Virginia, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 12, 2023. Tom was the son of the late Austin and Mary Champion. He was born on the family farm that he lived on his entire life. He joined the United States Marine Corp December of 1964 and served until 1968. He fought in Vietnam and earned the rank of Sergeant. Upon returning from Vietnam, he married Sandra Edgerton (Champion) on October 2, 1968. Tom started his career with VEPCO as a groundman in 1969 and over the next 33 years, he served as lineman and then serviceman with Dominion Power and retired in 2002. Tom served on the Chase City Volunteer Fire Department beginning in 1973. After decades of serving his community, he retired as an honorary volunteer firefighter. He was a member of the Chase City Jaycees as well as a member of the local American Legion Post #43. Tom was a charter member of Cornerstone Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and a trustee. When Tom wasn’t working or serving his community, he was usually farming, fishing, riding motorcycles, or spending time with family. He was a loving husband, father, “Papa”, and loyal friend to many. Tom is survived by his loving wife Sandra of 55 years, his daughters, Tammy Hurt (Troy Lewis) and Trina Burns (Brian), his sons Logan Champion (Stacie) and Marty Champion, 9 grandsons and 1 great grandson, two brothers, Reton Champion and Gene Champion (Sheila) and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister, Reba Champion Reid. The family will receive family and friends at Wood Funeral Service 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, December 15, 2023. Services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Wood Funeral Service Chapel in Chase City, Virginia. Interment will follow at Concord Baptist Church, 11650 Highway 47 Chase City, VA 23924. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made online to The Wounded Warrior Project, www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org or The Chase City Volunteer Fire Dept. PO Box 595 Chase City, Virginia 23924.   Wood Funeral Service is serving the family. Condolences may be expressed at www.woodfuneralservice.com.