Mackie Joe Champion

Mackie Joe Champion, 68, of Blytheville, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2020, at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro.

Mackie was born in Dyess to Jewell Champion and Barbara Estes Russell and J.C. Russell. Mackie was a paramedic for over 40 years and was the former owner and operator of Northeast Arkansas Ambulance Service. He worked for the Chickasawba Hospital, Mississippi County Hospital, Baptist Hospital and was a flight paramedic for some time in Texarkana. Mackie was a workaholic and you could always find him working. During his 40-year tenure as a paramedic, Mackie saved more lives than he could remember. He also worked for the Osceola Fire Department for many years and served as a former Mississippi County Deputy Coroner. When Mackie wasn’t working, he enjoyed hunting and fishing and often spent his time in Hardy. He loved sports and was an avid Arkansas Razorback fan.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mackie leaves four children, Brent Champion of Jonesboro, Blythe Champion of Clarksville, Tenn., Braxton Champion of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Brooke Burks Arriola of Blytheville; one sister, Glenda Neisler of Blytheville; and one grandson, Max Champion.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 10 a.m. in Maple Grove Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.