Michael Lendell Champagne was born May 19, 1972, in Sumter. He was the son of Deloris C. McFadden and the late Harvey Lee McFadden. Michael peacefully departed his earthly life and transitioned to his heavenly home on Monday, August 2, 2021, at the age of 49. Michael’s formal education began in the public schools of Sumter County, where he graduated from Sumter High School in 1990. Shortly after graduation, Michael relocated to Paterson, New Jersey and remained a long term resident. He attended cosmetology school and earned his barber’s license in 1994. It didn’t take long for him to gain a reputation as one of the most skilled barbers in the city, and he quickly became known as “The Cut King.” His loyal clientele included celebrities and military personnel, as well as members of the clergy and the community. After returning to Sumter in 2003, Michael earned his Master Barber designation, which allowed him to share his gift even further by sponsoring upcoming barbers for apprenticeships. Michael accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in his 20s. Upon his return to Sumter,, he became an active member of his home church, Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, where he served faithfully in the Music and Media ministries. Michael’s love of Christ was a huge source of pride that he freely shared with his clients, and gospel music was the backdrop to many of the haircuts he performed. In 1995, Michael met the love of his life, Jessica. They were married in 1997 and remained together in matrimony over twenty-four years. Their love for one another was admired by many, and inspired several others to aspire for the same. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Harvey Lee McFadden, his paternal grandparents, Paul and Esther Wilson; his maternal grandparents, George and Willie Mae Champagne, and his father-in-law, Jessie James Williams. Michael leaves to cherish his precious memories: his devoted wife, Jessica Champagne; his loving mother, Deloris C. McFadden; his daughter Kwasheka (Quinton) Leary; his son Kwashie (Oquana) Leary, and his treasured grandsons whom he adored, Jaceyon Leary, and Ontrell and Omari Lowery, all of Sumter. He also leaves behind his adoring mother-in-law, Helen Leary, and brother-in-law, Rayshon Leary (Shamira) of Paterson, New Jersey, in addition to three sisters, Tracy Champagne of Gastonia, North Carolina, Sandra Champagne-Murray (Jerome) of Dalzell, and Debora Champagne-Belfield (Ronnie) of New Jersey; two nieces he loved dearly, Jaida Champagne-Johnson of Gastonia, North Carolina and Daja Murray of Charleston; one nephew, Dasani Murray and one beautiful god-daughter, Dasani Porter, both of Sumter. Michael was deeply loved and will be missed by a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and other relatives and friends. In accord with the COVID 19 guidelines, the family is requesting that face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitation at the home, 5560 Highway 15 North, Sumter. Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m., Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Mechanicsville United Methodist Church, 184 Lake Ashwood Road, Sumter, with the Rev. Earnest Frierson, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Mechanicsville United Methodist Church Cemetery. Funeral procession will leave from the home at 1:50 p. m.
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