Mike would want me to share a few things with those he is leaving behind in the hopes that it might bring you comfort. First, this is not the end - Mike has gone on to be with our Lord and Savior and will meet and rejoice with us all again someday at the Pearly Gates.
Second, he had a great life and though it was short, it was a full life, lived exactly the way he wanted it - in the company of family and friends as often as possible.
Third, he loved his children and was so proud of each one of them.
And last, he would thank all of you for being part of his journey in this life.
Mike was born on January 13, 1963 in Dallas, Texas to James Walter Childress and Marvine Shoemaker Childress. He spend his childhood living in several different Texas towns and in one Georgia town as his father relocated their family to follow job opportunities. He often spoke fondly about his childhood memories in places like Grenada, Terrell, Sweeny and San Augustine. Even though they may have lived miles away, his family stayed close with this grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He often shared stories of the good food and fun times celebrating birthdays, Christmas, and other special occasions with his extended family.
After Mike graduated high school he served 4 years as a Navy Corpman and was stationed in many places across the United States like San Antonio, Florida, and San Francisco. But he was a Texan at heart, and when he was discharged, moved back to Dallas area and went to work for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Texas Over the span of 32 years at Blue Cross, he worked in various roles. He loved his work and the friendships he forged with his colleagues.
Mike had a son from his first marriage, Anthony Scott Childress who is married to Ani Childress and they reside in Ennis, Texas.
In 1997 he married Sherry Gurley Childress. They were married for almost 25 years and together they had two daughters - Olivia Michelle Childress and Kara Ann Childress, both of Wylie, Texas.
Mike stayed close with his sister Shari Childress of Anna, Texas and brother James Kevin Childress of Tyler, Texas. After the death of his mother, his two aunts - Wanda Stewart and Cathy Bailey of Irving, Texas became like second mothers. He respected and loved these two ladies so much. He was also close to Sherry's family Bob and Sally Gurley, Beau and Lesa Gurley, and Jeff and Nicole Gurley, all of Athens, Texas.
Mike is survived by this group as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Mike was a man of many passions. Here are some of those: he loved his country and always voted, he like grilling - he spend endless hours trying to achieve the perfect rib-eye steak. He was an avid reader and loved music of all kinds. He loved loved loved to ride his motorcycle - it was not unusual for him to leave early in the morning and ride all day. He cherished the friendships he made with those in his motorcycle group - "The HE MAN WOMAN HATERS."
Mike and Sherry loved to travel and his favorite destination was Yellowstone National Park. The beauty and wonder of the scenery and wildlife captured his heart. He loved cooking shows, sonic diet cokes with extra ice, knives, and clean cars with new tires.
Mike will be greatly missed but is happy to be reconnected with those that preceded him in death: his father James Walter Childress and his mother Marvine Shoemaker Childress, his grandparents Mac and Elizabeth Childress and Willis Bob and Zera Shoemaker, his aunt Fannie Howard and uncle Bobby Shoemaker.
A visitation for Michael will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the Ted Dickey Funeral Home, located at 2128 18th Street, Plano, Texas 75074.
The funeral service for Michael will be held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 12:00 Noon also at the Ted Dickey Funeral Home.
Rev. Raymond Richardson of the Foundation of Life Church in Ennis, Texas will officiate.
Burial will follow at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 2:30 PM.
Ted Dickey Funeral Home in Plano, Texas has charge of arrangements.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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