James "Jimmy" E. Childress

James Edward Childress (Jimmy), 82, of Concord, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, August 25, 2011, at Lynchburg Health and Rehabilitation. He was the husband of Bessie Childress. Born April 2, 1929, in Campbell County, he was the son of the late Volney Howard Childress and the late Elsie Reid Childress.

Mr. Childress was a retired supervisor for Consolidated Equipment Erectors Company. He also worked at Adams Motor Company and Archer Creek Foundry, where he was also a supervisor. Mr. Childress was a member of Gospel Baptist Church, where he served as head deacon and song leader. Mr. Childress was also the lead singer for The Echoes From Calvary.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Childress is preceded in death by one son, Mark W. Childress; three brothers: Howard, Sonny and Saunders Childress; and two sisters, Bessie C. Childress and Gracie Anderson.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Childress is survived by seven children: Diana Massie and her husband Danny of Rustburg, James Childress and his wife Charlotte of Big Island, Dolly C. Painter of Concord, Andrew Wayne Childress and his wife Margo of Concord, Roger L. Childress and his wife Mary of Lynchburg, Juanita Stevens of Concord and Ken Childress and his wife Peggy of Lynchburg; one brother, Marvin T. Childress and his wife Martha of Virginia Beach; thirteen grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; fifteen step-great grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

A funeral will be conducted, 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 27, 2011, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with the Rev. Earl Clarkson and the retired Rev. Carl B. Mills, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at Early’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Concord.

The family will receive friends, 6-8 p.m., Friday, August 26, 2011, at Whitten Timberlake Chapel and at other times at the residence of Roger Childress.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.whittenfuneralhome.com.

Whitten Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Timberlake Chapel is serving the family.