James (Hoolie) Childress Jr. Obituary (1948 - 2022)

Born Aug 01, 1948, James (Hoolie) Childress Jr. attended William Byrd High School in Vinton, VA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about James (hoolie) Childress Jr..

Graduation Year	Class of 1967
Date of Birth	Aug 01, 1948
Date of Passing	Apr 29, 2022
About	DEACON JAMES WARREN CHILDRESS, JR., affectionally known as “Hoolie” of Vinton, VA, went to his heavenly home suddenly on Friday, April 29, 2022. He was 73 years old, born on August 1, 1948, to the late James, Sr., and Virginia Childress. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Diane C. Johnson; sister, Beatrice Childress; and in-laws, Crayton, Sr., and Blanche Craig. James attended George Washington Carver High School in Salem, VA, and graduated from William Byrd High School in 1967, where he was an outstanding athlete. He attended Bluefield State College, where he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Hoolie was an outstanding athlete in basketball, football, and softball. He was a coach and umpire. Hoolie loved his Dallas Cowboys and Virginia Tech Hokies. He was a faithful servant of God and Deacon at First Baptist Church of Vinton. He served as a Superintendent of Sunday School, a member of the Men’s Club, sung in the church choir, and served as President of the Baptist Men’s Union for many years. He truly loved his church family. James retired from General Electric Company in Salem, VA, after 30 plus years of service. Those left to cherish his memory include: his loving devoted wife, Phyllis Craig Childress; son, James Childress III; stepdaughter, Charlene Mitchell; sisters, Bernice Robinson, Lena (Glenn) Dent, Nannie Childress, Theresa Childress, and Harriet Childress; brother, Harry Childress; sister-in-law, Deborah Craig; brothers-in-law, Crayton Craig, Jr., and Nathaniel Craig; family adopted sister, Evelyn Macauley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and many, many friends. “Hoolie” never met a stranger and touched the lives of many. He will be truly missed. A public viewing will be held Friday, May 6, 2022, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Home & Crematory. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 7, 2022, in the Hamlar-Curtis Chapel. Live streaming will be available from the Hamlar-Curtis website. Click “View Live Streaming Here” at the top of the screen. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. The interment will be in Williams Memorial Park. Condolences may be sent to www.Hamlar-Curtis.com.