Arthur Ray Childress

Mr. Arthur Ray Childress, age 75, of Thurmond, passed away Sunday, July 29, 2025, at Forsyth Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 1, 1950, in Surry County, to the late Arestus Hugh Childress, and the late Alma Pauline Roberts Childress. In addition to his parents, He was preceded in death by his brother, Billy Joe “Bucky” Childress.Mr. Childress was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He proudly served his country for 24 years starting in the Marine Corps, he served proudly in the Vietnam War where he was awarded both a Purple Heart and the Silver Star. He completed his career in the Army where he retired as a Master Sergeant. Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 40 years, Betty Taylor Childress; his children and their spouses, Windy Rena Childress, Sabra Childress Harris and Terry Ray, Dennis Ray Childress and Tonya, and Arthur “Grey” Childress and Rona. He had two very special honorable grandchildren, Cali Elizabeth Childress and Connor Utz. Along with Garrett Todd Childress and Emma Rae Childress. Great grandchildren, Piper Shaw Childress, and Logan Anthony Childress; sister, Kay Frances Childress; brothers, Johnny Wayne Childress, and Charles Edward Childress (Rebecca); sister-in-law, Christine Parker Childress; and special friends, Wristal and Cheryl Billings and Joel Romo that he served along side throughout his career in the Army. Ray was a member of Union Hill Missionary Baptist church, he loved his church family dearly. He also loved to garden, he cherished working in the garden with his son Grey and passing down all his garden knowledge to his granddaughter Cali and grandson Connor. He also loved cooking, canning, fishing and watching westerns.A special thank you to the medical team at Forsyth’s cardiovascular unit, palliative care unit and a special thank you to Dr. Duncan for providing extended, excellent care. Visitation will be Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 1:00-2:00 PM, at Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM, in the church, with pastor Travis Lloyd officiating. Burial will follow in the church Cemetery with full military honors. Moody-Davis Funeral Service in Dobson is serving the Childress family.

Sabra Utz