William Howard Childress

William (Bill) Howard Childress, 83, of Roanoke, passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2012. He was a longtime member of Ridgewood Baptist Church in Salem and enjoyed golf and music in his spare time. Preceding him in death were his parents, Edward and Stella Childress; brothers, Clyde Childress, Paul Childress, and J.C. Childress; and sister, Nadine Mitchell. His surviving family includes his wife of 63 years, Ellen Baker Childress; sons, Wayne Childress and wife, Linda, and Mark Childress and wife, Cathy; grandchildren, Brian Childress, Lori Childress, Andrea Childress, and Eric Childress; brother, Eddie Childress and wife, Beulah; sister, Virginia Hunziker; and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 27, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A graveside service will be held on Friday, December 28, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Sherwood Burial Park in Salem. The Rev. Roy Kanode will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bills name to Ridgewood Baptist Church at 703 Hemlock Road in Salem, VA 24153. An online guestbook is available at www.johnmoakey.com. The Childress family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.