William "Bill" Clay Childress

DeWitt, Michigan

William Clay Childress Sr., of DeWitt, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8 at Sparrow Hospital. He was born in Trussville, Alabama to Henry Clay Burnum and Mary Elise Griffin Burnum (Childress). He was later the adoptive son of Fitzhugh L. Childress.

Bill received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Virginia where he studied Spanish and French. Later he received an MBA from Roosevelt University in Chicago. Bill joined the Navy and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. For several years he was the commanding Officer of the naval reserve center in Lansing. Bill also taught business at Lansing Community College for over a quarter century.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy, of 52 years; sons, George (Lori Ann), Bill Jr. (Dawn), Douglas (Kulli) and 6 loving grandchildren. Bill was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend. He enjoyed translating Spanish and French, reading, and rooting for the Tigers. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, at the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 205 E. Washington in DeWitt. A Memorial Service, officiated by the Reverend Douglas Childress and Father John Lancaster, will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home immediately following visitation. Bill will be laid to rest at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Battle Creek, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity, 1941 Benjamin Drive, Lansing, MI 48906. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes DeWitt Chapel. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.grdewitt.com