Otis Steele Childress Jr.

Born to Otis and Catherine Childress on December 27, 1936, he attended John Marshall High School in Richmond, VA, where he was a member of the Cadet Corps. After graduating in 1955, he then received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1962. He also served in the Air National Guard.

He was employed at Philip Morris Co. in Richmond, VA; Newport News Shipyard in 1962; and NASA from 1963-1992. His professional memberships included the Helicopter Society, Engineering and V.P.I. Alumni. Community services included Coast Guard Auxiliary member for 18 years, past commander Williamsburg Flotilla; Williamsburg REACT; York County Parks and Recreation Board serving as chairman for 3 years; 8 years with the York County Fire and Life Safety Auxiliary Bruton District serving as president for 4 years; American Red Cross Colonial Chapter Williamsburg, VA disaster services and CPR Instructor; National Republican Party York County Committee; York County Electoral Board (Vice Chairman and Chairman); Williamsburg Moose Lodge; Freemason Warwick Lodge, Newport News, VA (Lifetime Membership); Khedive Shriner, Chesapeake, VA; Williamsburg Shrine Club, past president; Freemason Williamsburg; Chickahominy Masonic Lodge; and Williamsburg Radio (HAM) Club.

His volunteer work included Youth Swim Leagues in Newport News and Williamsburg; Side Two Ecumenical Coffeehouse Ministry in Newport News; Williamsburg Recreation Youth Basketball League coach; and Church Youth Group Leader at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church.

Otis’ hobbies included wood working; photography; sailing; playing the guitar and occasionally the banjo; fly-fishing; square dancing and country-western dancing; and he was an avid golfer.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Nancy; sons, Richard O. and Steven M. Childress; and grandchildren, Clayton, Madison, Steven Jr. and Brandon Childress.

A service will be held Monday, September 13th at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 4897 Longhill Rd., Williamsburg beginning at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Otis Childress to Hospice House and Support of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Pkwy, Williamsburg, VA 23188, or at Shrinersinternational.org. Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.