Walter Ray Childress

Childress Yadkinville- Mr. Walter Ray Childress, 80, of Yadkinville, passed away peacefully at his home Monday, July 17, 2017. He was born on March 20, 1937 to the late Thurmond and Fosie Snow Childress. Ray picked bluegrass music for over 65 years and was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Virginia Gray Pratt, Edith Mae Winters, and Glenda Gaye Brown, and a nephew Darren Wood. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Wanda Howell Childress of the home, three children Lisa (Frank) Crothers, Jeff Childress, and Beth (Richard) Beamer, Grandchildren, Cory Crothers, Alli (Landon) Pendergrass, and Ethan Decker, Great-Grandchildren, who he cherished more than gold, Bleu and Landree Pendergrass, Step-grandchildren, Megan (Joey) Ledbetter and Tommy (Allison) Beamer, and Step-Great Grandchildren, Brady Ledbetter, Kayla Ledbetter, Reece Beamer, a sister, Judy Faye (Bill) Miller and a brother, Steven Jay (Janice) Childress. His memorial service will be held on Thursday, July20, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Gentry Funeral Chapel with Rev. J.P. Sizemore officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Bethel Pentecostal Holiness Church, Boonville, NC 27011. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Childress family. Online condolences may be made at www.gentryfuneralservice.com.