James Riley Chennault Sr.'s Obituary
James Riley Chennault, Sr. born May 8, 1915 passed from this life on February 7, 2009. Born in Kosciusko Mississippi to Jesse & Clennie Bell Chennault, he was the oldest of seven children. In 1939 J.R. as he was known, came to Texas for a month to help build a house for his uncle. He has been a resident of Texas ever since. J.R. served in the Civilian Conservation Corps during the great depression and then joined the National Guard, becoming a part of the 112th Calvary in May of 1940. He served on the board and was treasurer of the 112th Association until 2008. J.R. served in WWII for three years at New Caledonia, Australia, at the battle on the Driniumor River, Woodlark Island, and Arawe, New Britain. He was discharged July 2, 1945. J.R. returned to Texas starting a job with the Texas Highway Department surveying the work for Central Expressway and I-30E to Rockwall. He worked for the Dallas Police Pound for two and a half years, the Aldophus Hotel for 14 years, where he was in charge of all sound and lighting for the Century Room. He retired after 15 years from the Dallas County Juvenile Dept. J.R. was a Dallas Police Reservist for twenty seven years. JR served as a deacon and Sunday School Superintendent at Bella Vista Christian Church in Garland. He became known as Big Red. Sundays he would hand out bulletins and a stick of Big Red chewing gum. Everywhere he went he gave out sticks of Big Red gum. In 1996 they became members of Valley View Christian Church in Dallas where he continued to serve his Lord faithfully. J.R. is survived by his wife of 64 years Dorothy, daughter Donna Gilmore of Frisco TX. , daughter in law Fran Chennault of Richmond, TX, two brothers David Chennault of Jackson MS. and C.B. Chennault also of Jackson, Two sisters, Mrs. Joan Johnston of Jackson MS and Nannie Mae Harrison of Greenville MS., six grandchildren and six great grand children and many nieces and nephews. J.R. is preceded in death by his son Dr James Riley Chennault, Jr of Victoria TX, son in law Weldon Gilmore of Carrollton, a sister, three brothers and two step brothers. The joy of his life was his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and church family. He was an honest, compassionate man of great character mixed with a mischievous spirit. He never met a stranger and if ever you had a need he would do everything in his power to help you. JR will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Monday, February 9, 2009 at Restland Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm, Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at Valley View Christian Church; 17601 Marsh Lane, Dallas, TX.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?