William James Gupton, Jr. "Champ"'s Obituary
William J. Gupton, Jr. was born to William J. Gupton, Sr. and Dorothy Ann Gupton. He leaves behind his beloved wife Diane Gupton, son William (Markia) Gupton, III (Trey), grandchildren Akilah Sanai Gupton, Jay Greer, and Jarquias Greer, his life-long sister Kathy (Mike) Mays, and God-children Kaylor Murray and Michael Murray.William, Jr. was born on the night that his father, Coach Gupton, led the Pearl High School basketball team to its first of several THSAA State Basketball Championships, thus the origin of his lifelong nickname “Champ”.Champ became an elite multi-sport athlete in his own right on the basketball and baseball teams at Father Ryan (class of 1976) and ultimately at Tennessee State University in the late 1970’s. Since then Champ has certainly been most well-known as an avid and outstanding golfer.William Gupton, Jr. obtained both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Tennessee State University. He began his career serving and counseling those with addictions, eventually working for Corrections Corporation of America (CCA, now Core Civic) and then the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC), ultimately becoming an Assistant Commissioner. Mr. Gupton was appointed Director of Corrections for Shelby County Government in 2014 under the leadership of Mayor Luttrell where he cherished his opportunity to serve, adored his staff, and was truly thankful to those who entrusted him in this role.Champ was widely known as one of the most kind and likeable person anyone could know. He had an infectious spirit and he dressed to match it. He will be missed by many, and his effect on so many lives will always be remembered.Special thanks to Crossroads Hospice (Tina, Ashley, and Pat), and the West Cancer Center who always treated William with wonderful care.Services will be held on Thursday June 7th at Hope Church: 8500 Walnut Grove Rd, Cordova, TN 38018.Visitation 10:00am – 12:00pm Funeral at 12:00pm. Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”.
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