Joseph A “Joe” Childress, Jr. was born on August 12, 1944 in Dyersburg, Tennessee to Joseph “Bill” and Pearl (nee Pilkenton) Childress, Sr. He passed away on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Rainbow Hospice Ark in Chicago surrounded by his loving family.
He attended Waller High School where he met the love of his life, Adrienne (nee Goret). They were married 58 years. Joe was the loving father of Kimberley and David (Heather); cherished Papa of Hunter, Anna, Alexa, and Alivia. He was the dear brother of Judy (the late Bill) Blair and the late Cindy (Leon) Enochs. Fond brother-in law to the late Adrian (Kathy) Goret. Uncle to Fred (Bonnie) Goret, Kristen Ray, the late Kevin Blair, the late Kelly (Justin) Hicks, Kristi (John) Willis. Great uncle to many.
Joe worked for Jewel as a Produce Manager for 40 years. During his time with them he had the opportunity to work all over the Chicagoland area, and never worked close to home, until his very last store at 6430 W Irving Park. There he made many friends, both with the workers and the customers that he served.
Once he was retired, Joe found new ways to serve the Lord and the community. He was a member of United in Faith Lutheran Church in Chicago, IL. As a member, Joe served on the Property Committee, Mens Group, and Church Council. But it was the Property Committee that he most enjoyed. Up until the time of COVID he also was a volunteer at St Cyprian’s Food Pantry. He also spent a considerable amount of time at Jewel, shopping and seeing friends that he used to work with.
Cooking for family and friends was another passion that he took up during retirement. He was always working on perfecting ribs or pork in the smoker. He could sit for hours in the yard watching over whatever was on the grill or smoker and working in the flower beds. He also enjoyed golfing.
Memorial visitation Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at United in Faith Lutheran Church 6525 W Irving Park Road Chicago, IL 60634. (The church is west of Narragansett Ave. Parking is in the rear) The service will be at 11:00 am. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Rainbow Hospice Care 2601 Navistar Dr. Bldg. 4, Flr. 1 Lisle, IL 60532
I can’t express the depth of the loss of Joe to his wonderful family and church. He was a man with a smile and the willingness to help where ever he could. He will be severely missed by all. rest in peace Joe.