Robert Ezra Childress

On November 30th, our beloved patriarch and father Robert (Bob) Ezra Childress, age 98 of Front Royal, VA passed away at the Martinsburg, WVA Veterans Administration Medical Center’s Hospice Center. Mr. Childress was born on October 7, 1926 – one of 12 children in the small mountain community of Skeggs in southwest Virginia’s Buchanan County – to John Bryan and Mary Belle (McGlothlin) Childress. On May 10, 1952, he married the former Pearl Lorane Jones in Manassas VA, who passed away on May 3, 2022, just shy of their 70th wedding anniversary. In addition to his wife, Mr. Childress is predeceased by his parents, and siblings: Reves, Benson, John, Gertrude, Arbutus, Fayrene, Madilee, Joan, and Cathy. Mr. Childress is survived by his daughters, Paula S. Zimbro and companion, David Hutto of Myrtle Beach SC and Robin K. Lawson and husband, Chris of Penn Laird, VA; his son, Robert B. Childress of Strasburg, VA; three grandchildren, Christopher Lawson IV (Sherry), Nathan Lawson (Claire), and Amber Dearing (Jay); four great-grandchildren; brothers Zed (Becky) and Don (Joyce); and numerous nieces and nephews. Seeking better opportunities outside of the coalfields of southwest VA, Mr. Childress moved with his family to northern VA, settling in Prince William Co., in 1941. Raised during the Great Depression, he learned at an early age that hard work and dedication were basic necessities to survive. These early childhood lessons carried on through the remainder of his life resulting in a successful career in the construction industry. Mr. Childress was a proud, independent man who lived life on his terms until the very end. Mr. Childress was a naval veteran proudly serving his country aboard the Destroyer John R. Pierce (DD-753) in the Pacific Theater during WW II. At the end of the war, his ship escorted occupation troop ships into Japan and he always felt fortunate he and his crew mates were able to tour the City of Hiroshima just a few weeks after the first Atomic Bomb was dropped to end hostilities. He again served in the Navy’s Construction Battalion One during the Korean War. Between and after his military service, Mr. Childress worked alongside of his father and brothers for several major building companies constructing numerous homes throughout Northern VA. Working from daylight until dark, weekends, and holidays wasn’t unusual for him to get ahead and provide for his growing family. In the mid 1960’s, Mr. Childress went into partnership with his brother John to form the Childress Brothers Construction Company, which focused on general and residential contracting. Later in his career, Mr. Childress worked for and held management positions for several major commercial contractors. He retired from Giant Construction Co., Inc. in 1987 after constructing many of the Giant Food stores and shopping centers in the Northern VA area. He proudly served in the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America, Local Union 132 for over 50 years. In the mid 1970’s, Mr. Childress purchased a farm in the Shenandoah Valley, ultimately moving from the Manassas area in 1982. In his spare time and after retirement, he enjoyed working on the farm, raising livestock, and gardening. He especially enjoyed growing vegetables to share with his family and friends. Mr. Childress was an avid hunter and enjoyed the sport well into his 90’s. In his earlier years, he also enjoyed riding motorcycles, flying, fishing, and boating at his family’s vacation home on the lower Potomac River. Mr. Childress was a 60+ year member of the Loyal Order of the Moose. Joining the Manassas Moose Lodge #1380 in the early 1960’s, he held several leadership roles, including Governor of the Lodge. Mr. Childress was proud of his family, its history, and was always ready to share a story about the old days. He always enjoyed visiting with family and friends. He cherished time spent with them and especially attending reunions, meals, and the Christmas holidays. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of the Front Royal Family Practice, Winchester Medical Center, and the Martinsburg VA Medical Center’s Hospice Center for their outstanding services and care. The family will receive friends at Pierce Funeral Home in Manassas, VA from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, December 11, and a memorial service with Navy military honors will be held the following morning beginning at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the charity of your choice.

Robert Ezra Childress

October 7, 1926 - November 30, 2024