Dr. Charles Champion, longtime Memphis pharmacist, dies 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.

The National Civil Rights Museum also said it was "deeply saddened" by Dr. Champion's passing, recalling his deep connection to the museum.

"The Champion family's ties are interwined with the Museum through the Lorraine Motel's history," the museum said in a statement. "In 1958, Dr. Champion married Carolyn Bailey, the daughter of the Lorraine's owners, Walter and Loree Bailey, at the motel.

"Dr. Champion and his family were beloved by the museum. Over the years, he recalled stories of the Lorraine in its heyday, and working with his in-laws. We are indebted to his generosity in sharing his story with us and his longstanding work with the community," the statement added. Dr. Champion's "legacy is forever etched into the soul of the city and the history of the Lorraine Motel at the National Civil Rights Museum," the museum said.

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.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Charles Champion obituary: Longtime Whitehaven pharmacist dies at 92