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.