Visitation
Wilkerson Funeral Home and Crematory
Tuesday January 22nd, 2019
1:00pm - 2:00pm
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Letcher Edward Childress
Letcher Edward "Luke" Childress, Jr. of Reidsville passed away peacefully from his earthly life Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Hospice of Rockingham County with family by his side. Visitation will be held from 1-2pm on Tuesday, January 22 at Wilkerson Funeral Home chapel followed by funeral services at 2pm. Interment will follow at Reidlawn Cemetery in Reidsville. He was born July 6, 1927, son of the late Letcher Edward Childress, Sr. and Lottie New Childress. Luke was the last surviving and longest living member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by sisters, Betty Childress, Anna Reid, Della Thornton, Louise Deaton, and Evelyn Durham as well as brothers, Archie and Edward Childress. Luke was a member and former deacon of Ruffin Stacey Baptist Church. He attended and enjoyed the fellowship of Greenwood Presbyterian Church for many of his senior years. He demonstrated his Christian faith and love to his many friends. Luke left Ruffin School during his teenage years to work on the family farm. Realizing the value of education as an adult, he obtained his GED. He was always a dedicated family man and very wise in financial matters. L.E. Childress, Jr. served his country honorably in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947. He provided for his family, first as a tobacco farmer, then as a long haul truck driver, driving for Associated, McLean, and Branch Trucking Companies. After retiring from long-haul, he worked many years as an earth and asphalt hauler for local companies. Luke enjoyed gardening, golf, fishing, and 2-step dancing with his senior friends. He was always concerned for the welfare of others and always willing to offer a helping hand, a bag of vegetables, or a bit of wisdom. He was recognized by Woodmen of the World with their “Caring for Others” award. Surviving family members include ex-wife Nellie Ward Childress, daughters Janet Childress French and husband Vic, and Cynthia Childress Huffines and husband Tim, grandchildren Joshua Alan French and Kayla French Cliffe, great grandson Avett Colson Cliffe, and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Brookdale Senior Center for 5 years of care, support, and encouragement to their loved one. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice of Rockingham County.To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Letcher Childress, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
Many prayers lifted for the Luke Childress family. Luke was a very special person and meant a lot me and to my mom (Ruth Lowdermilk) as well. She sends her love and prayers to all. We were very fortunate to have been blessed with the years shared with Luke. He is in that music hall / golf course in Heaven sharing music and golf with the best!! Sincerely Mary Beth (Bea) One of Ruth Lowdermilk daughters
Mary Beth Michael Jan 24 2019 5:28 PM
Luke was a very close friend to my grandmother, Ruth, for a very long time. He was always a sweet gentleman to our family. He will surely be missed by all. Many condolences to the family.
Lauren Gammon Jan 22 2019 9:04 PM
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.May God continue to keep you in his care by giving you peace and understanding during this time. Luke was a generous,kind soul who loved to share with others. Luke will surely be misse May God bless you Pearly M. Roach and family!
Pearly M. Roach Jan 22 2019 7:41 PM
US 29 Bus, will never be the same. We have lost the Best neighbor and Friend, anyone could ever have. ( Jr,) as he was known to us or Mr. Childress, would always have a kind word, or a bag with tomatoes, squash, or what ever vegetable he picked. Mama (Cassie Vaughn) would always call and let him know, that she had fried apple pies, and chicken and dumplings fixed, he came and Mama always made sure his friend Alan Blackwell was there to share good conversation and a good meal. When Mr. Childress could no longer drive, there was Tim, Vic (son-in-laws), and Alan to bring him to visit His (neighbor down the road), You will forever hold a special place, in Our Hearts,. Janet, Cindy and family Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you. Cassie, Janice and Mack
Janice Childrey Jan 21 2019 5:01 PM
A candle was lit in memory of Letcher Childress
Janice Childrey Jan 21 2019 4:31 PM
A candle was lit in memory of Letcher Childress
Deb Bibee Jan 21 2019 8:55 AM
A candle was lit in memory of Letcher Childress
Angela Owens Jan 19 2019 10:36 AM
Luke was a very good friend to my Mom, Ruth Lowdermilk, whom she met at the Reidsville dances. They shared many good times for well over the past 15 years or more. He was also a very kind & caring man to all our family members. He would always give us scratch-off lottery tickets for Christmas & say dont forget your friends if you win big! Luke will surely be missed, but will live on in our hearts forever! Our sincere condolences to his family :pray::skin-tone-2: May he Rest In Peace.
Pam Lowdermilk-Throckmorton Jan 19 2019 9:32 AM
A candle was lit in memory of Letcher Childress
Pam Knowles Jan 18 2019 9:41 PM
A candle was lit in memory of Letcher Childress
Rachel Stanley Jan 18 2019 11:59 AM