Contact: Dr. Tracy Scott, 630-452-8738

WHEATON, Ill., Jan. 29, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- Reverend Henry Soles, Jr. (photo) was born on August 17, 1935 in Anniston, Ala. He grew up in Plainfield, N.J. and attended Plainfield High School, Manhattan Bible Institute, and Rutgers University. A change agent who took ministry beyond the church walls, Rev. Soles served as the senior chaplain for the Chicago Bulls for over 30 years. He got his start in sports ministry with the Chicago Bears in the early 1970s, and later worked with the Chicago White Sox. He often spent time in the community and was well regarded for the bible study he led downtown Chicago. Rev. Soles was also the previous Pastor of City Church (Chicago, Ill.) and former Associate Minister at DuPage A.M. E. Church (Lisle, Ill.). Beginning his career as a journalist, he soon became an award-winning editor and several of his projects, The Soul Food New Testament and the Children of Color Bible, were published by Tyndale House.

A resident of Wheaton, Ill. and respected community leader, Henry was involved with numerous community boards and organizations such as Urban Ministries International, DuPage County Prayer Breakfast, Community Housing Association of DuPage, Serenity House, Chicago Mental Health Council, Wheaton-Carol Stream United Way, DuPage Prevention Partnership, Mid-America Leadership Foundation, DuPage Housing Authority, and African American Leadership Roundtable. He received countless honors and recognitions for his civic work including Serenity House Man of the Year Award (1997), Good Citizen Award from the City of Wheaton (2001), History Maker (2002), and Lifetime Achievement in Media Award from the DuPage A.M.E. Church and Plainfield High School Hall of Fame (2011).

Rev. Henry Soles Jr. passed away on January 18, 2018 at the age of 82. Mourning his loss is his wife Effie, one brother, Muhsin (Yvonne) extended family, and many friends. The visitation will take place from 9am-11am on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Edman Chapel on the campus of Wheaton College, 501 College Ave., Wheaton, IL followed directly by the service. His interment will be at Wheaton Cemetery, 1209 Warrenville Rd., Wheaton, Ill. after the service. Flowers can be sent to James Funeral Home located at 204 Hill Ave Aurora, Ill. 60505.