Obituary for James W. Epps
James Wendell Epps was born on February 4, 1943. He was the oldest child of the late Deacon Sterling Frank Epps and Lena Marion Boose. His parents made sure that their children were raised in a home with a strong Christian foundation and a love of God. At an early age he was baptized and joined Spring Hill Baptist Church. He later joined Mt. Nebo Baptist Church where he served as a trustee. His early life was spent working on farms with his family, who were sharecroppers. That hard work instilled in him a belief that you have to work hard for what you want in life. His hard work led him to a successful life and allowed him to set an example for his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He was truly a blessing and role model to them all.
He graduated from Luther H. Foster High School in 1962. While in high school he set a goal for himself to become a truck driver. He washed cars and delivered newspapers in pursuit of his goal. His truck driving career began with a job washing trucks at Southside Transportation Company in Blackstone, VA. His love of trucks grew and he convinced his boss to let him begin parking the trucks. He eventually reached his goal of driving trucks and enjoyed many years driving to local dairy farms to pick up and transport the milk. After Southside, he began driving long distance for Great Coastal Express in Richmond, VA. There, he was awarded many Safe Driver and Driver of the Year awards. He was also inducted into their Million Miler Club for driving well over 1,000,000 miles for the company. He later became a driver for Walmart’s private fleet. Walmart recognized him for driving over 1,500,000 miles for their company. After retirement, he enjoyed sharing his awards and achievements with those who visited his home. His love for God, his church, family, and friends was evident because he always greeted people with a warm smile and a handshake. His jovial personality will be remembered and cherished by many.
In 1965, he was united in marriage to the former Lillian C. Coleman. They were blessed to share 56 years together and to this union three children were born. James and Lillian were known to travel across the country in their RV. Through that travel they met lifelong friends who shared their love of travel and they enjoyed many memorable experiences.
James departed this life at his home on December 10, 2021 after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Christie Epps, his grandson, Corliq Wright, and his brother, Carl Epps. He leaves to cherish his memory; his loving wife, Lillian; two daughters, Shelly Epps Gibbs (David) Warrenton, VA, Crystal Epps Wright (Corey) Chesapeake, VA; five grandchildren, Chevonne Gibbs, Ayinde Meredith, Breyana Epps, David James Gibbs, Correyain Wright; one brother, Samuel Epps (Shirley) Blackstone, VA; four sister’s-in-law, Rebecca West, Ruth Coleman, Johanna Cousins, Dr. Anita Lee (Leamon), three brother’s-in-law, Joseph Coleman, Richard Coleman (Barbara), Roger Coleman, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. His example and legacy will endure in the hearts of those he touched.
There will be no public viewing.
Memorial Service Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 2:00PM at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Blackstone.
Interment private
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangements.
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He graduated from Luther H. Foster High School in 1962. While in high school he set a goal for himself to become a truck driver. He washed cars and delivered newspapers in pursuit of his goal. His truck driving career began with a job washing trucks at Southside Transportation Company in Blackstone, VA. His love of trucks grew and he convinced his boss to let him begin parking the trucks. He eventually reached his goal of driving trucks and enjoyed many years driving to local dairy farms to pick up and transport the milk. After Southside, he began driving long distance for Great Coastal Express in Richmond, VA. There, he was awarded many Safe Driver and Driver of the Year awards. He was also inducted into their Million Miler Club for driving well over 1,000,000 miles for the company. He later became a driver for Walmart’s private fleet. Walmart recognized him for driving over 1,500,000 miles for their company. After retirement, he enjoyed sharing his awards and achievements with those who visited his home. His love for God, his church, family, and friends was evident because he always greeted people with a warm smile and a handshake. His jovial personality will be remembered and cherished by many.
In 1965, he was united in marriage to the former Lillian C. Coleman. They were blessed to share 56 years together and to this union three children were born. James and Lillian were known to travel across the country in their RV. Through that travel they met lifelong friends who shared their love of travel and they enjoyed many memorable experiences.
James departed this life at his home on December 10, 2021 after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Christie Epps, his grandson, Corliq Wright, and his brother, Carl Epps. He leaves to cherish his memory; his loving wife, Lillian; two daughters, Shelly Epps Gibbs (David) Warrenton, VA, Crystal Epps Wright (Corey) Chesapeake, VA; five grandchildren, Chevonne Gibbs, Ayinde Meredith, Breyana Epps, David James Gibbs, Correyain Wright; one brother, Samuel Epps (Shirley) Blackstone, VA; four sister’s-in-law, Rebecca West, Ruth Coleman, Johanna Cousins, Dr. Anita Lee (Leamon), three brother’s-in-law, Joseph Coleman, Richard Coleman (Barbara), Roger Coleman, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. His example and legacy will endure in the hearts of those he touched.
There will be no public viewing.
Memorial Service Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 2:00PM at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Blackstone.
Interment private
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangements.
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