- Date Of Birth: August 30, 1948
- Date Of Death: January 27, 2022
- State: Illinois
Roland Drake Christy, 73, of Jacksonville, IL, died Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital.
He was born Aug. 30, 1948, in Springfield, MO, the son of Irene Chambers and Everett Myers. His mother later married Robert Christy. Roland married Sue Ellen Zimmerman on Sept. 8, 1997, in Jacksonville and she survives.
He is also survived by his children, Jayson (Laura) Christy of Alabama, Joellen (Larry) Driver of North Carolina, Jennifer Fanning of Springfield, IL, and Kelly Hopper and Peggy Hopper (Clayton Bland), both of Jacksonville; fourteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; his sister, Rubigale (Michael, deceased) Fitzanko of Washington, IL; one step-brother, Johnny Christy of Springfield, MO; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irene and Robert Christy; and one step-brother, Duke Christy.
When he was younger, Mr. Christy enjoyed surfing at Pismo Beach in California with some of the great surfers of the time. He had served as a Deputy Sheriff in Cass County in his early 20’s and was also an orderly at Norris Hospital in Jacksonville. He worked for the Painter’s Union for 13 years and started Candlestick Painting Service, specializing in historical homes, and had the honor of painting the Henson Robinson House in Springfield. He painted numerous homes and businesses in Illinois, South Carolina, and also Mississippi in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
He and his wife, Sue, were ordained as Ministers in September 1999, and then formed Candlestick Outreach Ministry. He had his own hour-long internet program and was also involved in a 1 ½ hour Pastor’s Round Table Discussion group. Roland was known as the “Street Preacher” and gave witness of the Lord everywhere. He was well loved and respected worldwide and was humbled to be a servant of the Lord.
Roland enjoyed fishing, and many times his family would come home to find catfish swimming in their bathtub. He also enjoyed hunting, and when he was unable to hunt, he would pray for a deer and in no time someone would drop a deer off to him. Roland especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.
