Oscar Mabry Criswell Jr.

Oscar Mabry Criswell, Jr., 86, of 2848 Blairmont Drive, Danville, VA, died Thursday, February 4, 2016 at Danville Regional Medical Center after a decline in his health for one year. He had been in the hospital for the past ten days. Born on December 5, 1929 in Avon, Mississippi, he was a son of the late Oscar Mabry Criswell, Sr. and Lois Clemons Criswell. Mr. Criswell moved to Danville in 1967 with the U.S. Gypsum Company, where he worked as a foreman in the finishing department. He retired in 1984, when he opened and operated Criswell Wood Products until 2005. He was of the Christian faith. He loved fishing, attending antique auctions, and being with his friends. Nothing brought him greater joy than his children and grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father and Pa-Paw. He never met a stranger and always had a smile to brighten our day. He was kind and giving, and will be sadly missed by all. Heaven has a brighter star today. We miss you Daddy. On July 31, 1949 he married Frances Buffington Criswell, who survives. In addition to his wife, of the residence, he is survived by five children, Sheila C. Manasco, and husband Carl, of Danville; Oscar Mabry Criswell III, and wife Nancy, of Jefferson, GA; Barbara C. Louhoff, of Dry Fork, VA; Grace C. Womack, and husband Charles, of Greensboro, NC; and Scott Criswell, and wife Ashly, of Danville; a sister, Helen Haney, of Hattiesburg, MS; four brothers, Terry N. Criswell, of Valdosta, GA; Bernard Criswell, of Greenville, MS; Ronnie Criswell, of Hot Springs Village, AR; and Norman Criswell, of Greenville, MS; twelve grandchildren, Jon Henderson, Rick Manasco, Todd Criswell, Kellee Wilkerson, Ryan Louhoff, Adam Louhoff, Alex Womack, Eric Womack, Andrew Womack, Caroline Womack, Mary Kathryn Criswell, and Peyton Criswell; and 10 great grandchildren. He was predeceased in death by a grandson, Brian Christopher Louhoff, a son-in-law, Richard Louhoff, two brothers and two sisters. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the Central Boulevard Church of God from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. A graveside service will follow in Highland Burial Park at 11:30 A.M. with the Reverend John H. Meadows officiating. At other times the family will be at the residence. Also, the family suggests memorial donations may be made to the Central Blvd Church of God, 235 Hairston St., Danville, VA 24540; or Whitmell United Methodist Church, 121 Sunset Drive, Dry Fork, VA 24549. Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel is serving the Criswell family. Online condolences may be made at www.wrenn-yeatts.com.

Oscar Mabry Criswell Jr.

December 5, 1929 - February 4, 2016