Thomas Herbert Chamption, 84, died peacefully surrounded by his children on February 24, 2015 in Hampton, VA. Born in Queens County, New York City, New York, he was the son of Irving and Estella Champion. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951. After a twenty year career of dedicated service to his country as a C-130 aircraft mechanic, he retired from the Air Force at Langley AFB in 1971. He remained in Hampton and continued to work as a postal clerk with the United States Postal Service. As a young man during a return trip home to NYC, he met the love of his life, Ethelmae Gibbons. Tom and Ethelmae were married for more than 50 years. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ethelmae. He is survived by four children, Susan Champion Sarver (and her husband, Joe), Kathleen Champion, Thomas J. Champion, and Edward J. (Ted) Champion and also two grandsons, Evan and Grant Sarver. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hampton and he was a 4th degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus Chapter 511. Tom was an avid golfer and during his retirement he also regularly participated in numerous volunteer activities that brought help to many. He and Ethelmae especially enjoyed travelling and going to the theatre. They leave many fond memories for the family to cherish. The family sincerely thanks the staff at the Sunrise House in Hampton for the loving care and support they provided to Tom and his family during the past 2 and a half years. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Monday, March 2, 2015 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church officiated by the Reverend Sean Prince. Interment will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association (ALZ.org, 6350 Center Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502). The interment and funeral arrangements are being coordinated by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.