Harry Lee Childress

1931 - 2021

Harry Lee Childress, 90, of Aurora IL, passed away Wednesday, April 7, 2021 at his home. He was born March 1, 1931 in Clinchco, VA to a coalminer and his wife. Harry was named after Light-Horse Harry Lee, who served under George Washington as a decorated Commander of the Calvary Brigade in the Revolutionary War.

Harry, his mother (Georgia) and his siblings moved to Mooseheart, "The Child City" near North Aurora, IL after the death of his father (George) in a coalmining accident when Harry was age 5. He would graduate from Mooseheart High School, earning 16 varsity letters as a football, basketball, baseball and track star. He also played trumpet in the band and was a soloist in the boys' choir. The football team -- with Harry as quarterback -- traveled across the nation in the 1940s under Coach Johnny Williams, inventor of the "no huddle" offense. Celebrating numerous undefeated seasons, athletic accomplishments and All State recognition, Harry was nicknamed "The Mighty Orphan." After graduating from Mooseheart, where he also learned a trade in barbering, Harry accepted a scholarship from the University of Illinois to play football and basketball where he graduated with a degree in Physical Education.

Harry served as a 2ND Lieutenant in the Army and was stationed in Germany. Following his tour of duty, he opened what became a popular barbershop in the Aurora Hotel in downtown Aurora. A gifted orator whose friends said "went to the Norm Crosby School of the King's English," he coined such phrases as "functional English" and "verbal diarrhea" which was often brought to your attention when you were talking too much and not listening. It didn't take much to engage Harry in spirited conversation that often led to a bet, sporting competition, track race or all the above. Harry later leveraged his quick wit and ability to read people into a career at Dolan and Murphy Real Estate where he worked with friend and confidant Dan Dolan. Together they helped develop much of the Aurora I-88 corridor and forged business partnerships which led to lifelong friendships that will survive his passing.

As an athlete, Harry competed against some of Aurora's finest in high school, semi-pro football and sports league teams including the Aurora Clippers and T & R construction. He was passionate about the of value of competition and the importance of being a member of a team for kids as they developed into adults. He organized the first weekly Physical Education classes at Holy Angels school which featured competing in lesser-known games like Flickerball and Buck Buck among other sports. He instilled in his students the importance of humility regardless of how talented you were as an athlete and the value of each team member regardless of their skill level. He also coached teams for Kiwanis, Holy Angels and Marmion as an assistant with lifelong friend and Mooseheart Alumnus Roger O'Neil.

Harry's ability to lighten up a room with his smile and spirit led to the formation of one of the first reality TV shows in America called The Bill Wyatt Sports Challenge that raised money and awareness for local charities. Sponsors competed against Harry and Bill in a sporting event of their choosing with the loser making a donation to a local charity featured on the show. The show ran on a local cable access (WSPY) channel for over 25 years and over 400 episodes. It is still available on YouTube. Harry served as "Harry the Hat," a self-proclaimed world renown sports prognosticator and aficionado of all things. They were joined by friend and competitive combatant Eddie Aister. Over the years the show built awareness and exposure for charities and featured future Olympic athletes, politicians and spotlighted many young businesses.

In preretirement Harry drove a bus for the Aurora Township dial-a-ride program where he continued to serve his community and engaged the seniors he picked up with stories, frivolity and friendship. Before retirement Harry worked with Progressive Business Solutions as Vice President of Business Development.

In Harry's own words, he was blessed with and survived by his wife Lynne (Esser) Childress; ex-wife Joyce (Flynn) Childress; six children Michael Lee (Jenny) Childress of Santa Monica, CA; John Bradford (Dru) Childress of Bonita Springs, FL; Christopher Flynn (Teresa) Childress, of Aurora, IL; Patrick Scott (Hayami) Childress of Chicago, IL; Karen Jeanne Childress of Joshua Tree, CA; James Bryan (Jenny) Childress of Wheaton, IL; a cousin Sister Mary Barry O.P., and step daughter Julie Deuchler of Sugar Grove, IL. He had 14 grandchildren Adrienne and Jack Childress; Trevor Brown; Cara, Kyle; Andrew and Christopher Childress; Dr. Krista and Kallie Childress; Emily Murray; James and Jacob Childress; step grandchildren Brandon and AJ Deuchler; seven great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Harry was also honored to serve as father by proxy to many family members friends whom he "helped raise" all which he said kept him young at heart.

Harry was preceded in death by his father George Childress; mother, Georgia (Fleming) Childress; brothers Charles "Chuck" (Josephine) Childress; Clarence "Butch" (Marge) Childress; and one sister Anne (Harrison) Horton.

Visitation will be held Sunday, April 11, 2021 from 1 to 5 pm at The Healy Chapel, 370 Division Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 12th 2021 at St. Katharine Drexel Church, 8S055 Dugan Road, Sugar Grove, IL 60554 followed by a burial at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Aurora.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Harry Childress's name may be directed to the Marmion Academy Guardian Angel Financial Aid Fund at 1000 Butterfield Road, Aurora IL 60502 or Mooseheart Child City and School at 155 S. International Dr., Mooseheart IL 60539.

Harry believed his longevity in life was because he was here to do God's work on Earth. To do justice, love kindness and walk humbly. In memory and honor of Harry please take a moment to do something nice for a person in need.

To sign the online guestbook please visit healychapel.com. 630-466-1330