Obituary - Philip Albert Childress Jr.

Philip Albert Childress Jr., age 59, of Henrico County, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

Born on November 7, 1965, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he was the son of the late Philip A. Childress Sr. and Juanita Marie Hackett. He was also preceded in death by his four siblings, Ruth C. Stone, Margaret Williams, Lola Singletary, and Nathan Childress, as well as his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Philip dedicated his life to emergency medical services, beginning his EMS career at just 16 years old. He became a Paramedic in 1990, and although a disability eventually prevented him from serving on active duty, he continued to maintain his Paramedic certification along with his ACLS/BLS Instructor Trainer credentials until his passing. He served Hanover, Henrico, and the City of Richmond for nearly 30 years and was a lifetime member of VAVRS District 3 and East Hanover Rescue Squad. His unwavering commitment to helping others defined his life’s work. Beyond his passion for EMS, Philip was a devoted patron of Texas Tavern—he truly loved the food.

Philip is survived by his daughter, Ashley Marie Childress; two sisters, Barbara Relf and Brenda Lee Campbell; two aunts, Linda McGann (Richard) and June Colbert; several cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dear family friend, Reverend Sue Ann Vanderpool, who met Philip while they worked together at the rescue squad. She officiated his wedding, was present at the birth of his daughter, and remained an important part of his life—something for which he was always deeply grateful.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Whitten Timberlake Chapel. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 AM, officiated by Chaplain Wayne Lanham. Burial will take place at Fort Hill Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Bridge Church, 8026 Walnut Grove Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23111.