William Childress

William Charlie Childress, 87, also known as Bill, WC, Fleabite, passed away Thursday, January 24, 2019.  He was born December 31, 1931 in Forsyth County to the late Francis Marion and Fannie Mae Merritt Childress.  Mr. Childress proudly served his country 8 ½ years in the United States Navy as a beach jumper onboard ships: USS Klondike, USS Nimitz, USS Firedrake, and USS Rainier.  He was a faithful member of Woodland Baptist Church for 59 ½ years.  Mr. Childress graduated from Winsalm Business College and later retired from R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. with 33 ½ years of service.  He loved to frequent flea markets, yard sales, and teaching shag and line dancing.  Mr. Childress loved meeting his special group in the mornings at McDonalds.  On his walks, he could be heard singing or seen yo-yoing.  He was small in stature, but huge in heart.  Everyone loved Poppee, even the four-legged pups, Kloe, Abby, and Cody.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Childress was preceded in death by brothers: David, Frank, and Joseph; sister, Nancy Mae Perdue; and infant son, William Charlie Childress Jr.  He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, 8 months, and 1 day, Barbara Goodman Childress of the home; daughters, Janet of Winston-Salem, Debbie Fallin (Eddie Taylor) of King, and Anita Horsley (Stephen); granddaughters, Lisa Fallin and Skylar Horsley; grandsons: Adam Fallin (Lacie), Aaron Fallin (Michelle), Andrew Fallin (Bridget Sumeracki), and Jordan Horsley; great-grandchildren: Charlie Speagle, Henry Fallin, and Rylan Fallin; sister, Mildred Cox of Winston-Salem; several nieces and nephews; special “little sister”, Bonnie Sue Taylor (Tommy) of Rural Hall; and special dance partner, Brenda Holcomb (Stewart) of Lexington.  A funeral service will be conducted 2:00 pm Sunday, January 27, at Woodland Baptist Church with the Rev. Tim Gammons and the Rev. J. Clif Arnold officiating.  Burial will follow at Crestview Memorial Park with military funeral honors provided by American Legion Post 290 of King.  The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm Saturday, January 25, at Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home in Rural Hall.  The family would like to extend a special thanks to the FMC Palliative Unit, and the 5th and 6th floor staff for their care during Mr. Childress’ illness. Memorials may be made to Shoals Ruritan Club Summer Camp or the Enrichment Center.