Eugene Champagne, "Gene", as he was affectionately known, was born April 2, 1946, in Sumter, South Carolina, to the late Robert and Rosa Lee Cook Champagne. Gene received his formal education in the Sumter County School System and graduated from Eastern High School in 1964. He was employed by Electric Wholesale for thirty-five (35) years before retiring. Retirement was short lived because Gene quickly established his own business and remained self-employed until late 2022. Gene accepted Christ as his Savior earlier in life and was a dedicated member of Antioch United Methodist Church. Gene enjoyed fishing a great deal and would proudly accept the invitation to do so from his buddies. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gene was a laid-back, calm, and pleasant individual who demonstrated unconditional love to all. In addition to his loving parents, Gene was preceded in death by his three brothers; Isaac, Robert, and Earl Champagne, three sisters; Mamie, Delores, and Lou Emma. Eugene departed from his earthly life on April 19, 2023, in Dalzell, South Carolina. Gene leaves to cherish his devoted and former wife, Ophelia, who cared for him during his final days, one son Eric (Tamara) Champagne, two daughters Tokisha (Terry) Garrett and Lashanda (Clifton) Smith, his eldest grandson whom he raised as his very own, Desmond (Alicia) Champagne; two brothers, Timothy (Barbara) Champagne and Abraham (Alice) Champagne; two sisters, Kathy Champagne and Jacqueline (Bennie) Johnson; one uncle, Robert (MaeBelle) Cooke; two sisters-in-law, Everleana Champagne and Jackie Champagne and one brother-in-law, Johnny Richardson; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends who adored him tremendously.