Chief Maurice Childress Sr.

Funeral services for Aviation Ordinanceman Chief Petty Officer Maurice Joseph Childress, Sr., of Chesapeake, Virginia, will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11 AM at the Living Faith Baptist Church, 1330 Bailey Lane in Dublin. Reverend Jamie Pittman will deliver the eulogy. Interment will follow in the Mount Pullen Church Cemetery.

Maurice Joseph Childress, Sr. was born on Tuesday, November 6, 1984, in Oakland, California. At the age of 13, he moved with his mother, Angela Kellam, and siblings Artila and Major Session, to Dublin, Georgia, where he spent his teenage years. He grew up with a strong sense of family, faith, and purpose that carried him through every season of his life.

Maurice graduated from West Laurens High School in May 2003, where he built the foundation for the discipline, leadership, and resilience that would later define his military career.

In April 2004, Maurice answered the call to serve and enlisted in the United States Navy. Over the course of 21 years, he rose through the ranks to become a Aviation Ordinanceman Chief (AOC), earning countless qualifications and leading with integrity and courage. Maurice's career took him to multiple commands, including Fighter Squadron 211 (VFA-211), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), and Pre-Commissioning Unit John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). He deployed overseas, mentored young sailors, and left an indelible mark on every command he served.

He also achieved his academic goals, earning an associate's degree in liberal arts, a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security, and a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA). Maurice's Navy journey reflected his unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and service above self. He was more than a sailor; he was a mentor, a role model, and a brother in arms.

In December of 2014, he married Lindamarie "Mari" Tolbert. As a husband, Maurice was Mari's protector, partner, and best friend. Together, they raised a beautiful, blended family of four children; - Lakenya, Elijah, Maurice Jr. "MJ", and Mya. He loved them dearly, providing, protecting, guiding, and nurturing with a steady hand and a tender heart. Above all, Maurice's greatest pride was being a father.

Aviation Ordinanceman Chief Petty Officer Maurice Joseph Childress, Sr., lived a life of honor, love, and sacrifice. His devotion to the Navy was matched only by his devotion to his family.

He passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025. It was sudden and heartbreaking, though his legacy shines through in his family, his Chief's Mess, and all who were blessed to know him.

He is survived by his wife, his children, his loving mother, Angela Kellam, siblings, Artila and Major Session, aunt, Deborah Kellam, special cousins, Omari King, Floyd Blue, and Keith Haywood, and a host of military soldiers through his 20 year career, and special friends, Jamal and Trey.

Please post your condolences online at ServicesbyDudley.com.

Services by Dudley Funeral Home of Dublin