Marine Vet Rev. James Ray Childers, 69, Dies

Reverend James Ray Childers, 69 of Hiram, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 19. He was born on May 5, 1944, in Alpharetta, to the late Lloyd and Mary Childers, and was preceded in death by his brother, Randall Childers and sister, Beverly McDaris. Reverend Childers was an ordained minister for 37 years. He pastored at Mount Vernon, Macedonia, Emanuel, Martinville Baptist Church, and other churches outside Paulding County. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marines and was self-employed as a painter for 30 years.

Survivors include wife of 47 years, Sandra Childers of Hiram; son, James Childers, JR; daughters and sons-in-law, Deveery & Joseph Gravley of Hiram, GA, Felishia & Robert Jordan of Hiram, GA, and Adrianna Childers of Hiram, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Trammel & Joyce Childers; sisters, Sybil Latham of Fairburn, GA, and Brenda McDaris of South Carolina; ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, Dec. 23, at 3 p.m., at Clark Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Steve Sneed officiating. Interment will follow in Melrose Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Sunday, Dec. 22, from 5 until 8 p.m.

Clark Funeral Home in Hiram, GA, is in charge of arrangements. (www.samclarkfuneralhome.com)