John R Childress

John R ChildressMarch 13, 2014Rochester Hills, MI John Raymond Childress passed away on March 13, 2014 at home with his family by his side. He was born on June 18, 1921 in Dallas, Texas, the oldest son of J.R. and Vivienne (Burt) Childress. He married Thelma Milburn Williams on January 18, 1946 in Dallas. John attended Sunset High School in Dallas where he ran track and was a corporal with the R.O.T.C. During WWII, he enlisted in the Army Air Corp (807th) and was an airplane mechanic in England and participated in the Rhineland Champaign (Battle of the Bulge) in France. Using the GI bill, he graduated from Southern Methodist University (SMU) with a degree in civil engineering. He began working at an early age to help support his family during the depression. His professional career as an engineer with Vought Aerospace Industries (LTV) took his family to Texas, Ontario, and Michigan. Upon retirement John traveled a long way from his slide rule, teaching himself all about computers, including management systems and repairs. He enjoyed his winter condo in Cape Coral, Florida where every day was a good day". He was the go to person for all types of mechanical repairs, and known for his sense of humor. John will be missed by his wife of sixty-eight years, Thelma, daughter Karen (Tom) Anderson of Cadillac, and grandchildren Megan Gilmore of Rochester Hills, Shannon Gilmore of Cadillac, and Lisa Anderson of Davis, California.He was preceded in death by his brothers Francis, Horace, Lawrence, and Joe.Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebratory memorial service will be held later this spring in Rochester Hills, MI. -