Clifford Boss

Chambliss, Jr

The Rev. Clifford Boss Chambliss, Jr., 81, of Richmond, Va., went to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 9, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Griffin Chambliss; three children, Clifford B. Chambliss, III, Melanie L. Chambliss, and Bryant G. Chambliss; six sisters Edna Thompson, Exyie Ryder (Bill), Wilma Jones, Varese Swan (Harold), Margaret Edwards, and Lynnette Horne-Hardt; and many nieces and nephews.

Rev. Chambliss was born in Suffolk, Va. to the late Clifford B. Chambliss, Sr. and Exyie Mae (Jenkins) Chambliss. He accepted Christ at an early age and acknowledged a call to ministry during his adolescence. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School and Shaw University, he earned his Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Union University. In 1967, Rev. Chambliss became Executive Director of Richmond Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc. (OIC). Under his leadership, OIC developed and successfully operated many innovative programs, which benefited over 20,000 youth and adults in the city. Rev. Chambliss pastored Springfield Baptist Church in Henrico County for 32 years, and then pastored Garland Avenue Baptist Church for 10 years. As a longtime Richmond resident, Rev. Chambliss was involved in many community initiatives like the Historic Jackson Ward Association and the North Richmond YMCA board. He was also a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

A wake will be held Friday, March 17 at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd) from 6-7 p.m. A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 18 at Garland Avenue Baptist Church, 2700 Garland Ave. at 11 a.m. Internment to follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery.