Alton Gray Childress, Sr.

Mr. Alton Gray Childress, Sr., age 89, of Mount Airy, passed away Thursday morning, July 30, 2026, at the North Carolina Veterans Home in Kernersville. Mr. Childress was born in Surry County on October 25, 1936, to the late Haywood Ausborne Childress and Mary Sally Seagraves Childress. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Mr. Childress served his country honorably in the United States Marines during the end of Korean War in the Pacific. Mr. Childress served many years as a Deacon of Holly Springs Baptist Church where he was a member, was longtime board member of Bannertown Fire Department, was a member of the Renfro Masonic Lodge. He drove many years for Roadway Express, until his retirement. Left to cherish his memories are his son and daughter-in-law, Alton Gray Childress, Jr and Jill; daughter and son-in-law, Breanne Watson and Sidney; grandchildren, Alisha Childress, Toni Jade Smith, Casey Brown and Dustin, Brandi Duggins and Chad; great grandchildren, Parker Watson, Presley Brown, Micah Brown, Holland Smith, Maisie Jo Smith, Carter Duggins, and Cason Duggins. In addition to his parents, Mr. Childress was preceded in death by his loving wife, Judith Rebecca Gardner Childress; daughters, Rebecca Childress, Dana Childress; brother, Bobby Childress. A funeral service to honor Mr. Childress will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy, with the Rev. Wayburn Mosley officiating. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 10:00 AM until time of the service. Military honors will be provided by the VFW Honor Guard. Masonic rites will be conducted by Renfro Masonic Lodge. The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of the NC Veterans Home in Kernersville for all the care and compassion shown. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Moodys of Mount Airy is respectfully serving the Childress family. Online condolences may be made at: www.moodyfuneralservices.com.