David Carrol Childress, age 86, of South Knoxville passed away peacefully on December 6, 2020. David (or Dad, Daddy Dave, Grandpa/Papaw as he was affectionately called) loved his family so well. He loved Jesus, and he lived out his faith with kindness, gratitude, service and joy.
In addition to his role as husband, father and grandfather, he served the South Knoxville community as a firefighter at Station No. 10 and was a long-time member of Sevier Heights Baptist Church. He was ordained as a deacon at the age of 28 and served until he could no longer actively do his duties. David met the love of his life at age 12 at Vacation Bible School and they married seven years later. David and Judy loved to travel, dance, and camp. He was always the first on the dance floor, and he could make anyone smile and laugh with his kind spirit and his quick wit. He never met a stranger and had a gift of making everyone feel loved and respected. Many South Knoxville kids felt unconditional parental love from David.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Ulyss and Carrie Lou Childress, sister, Bobbie Mills and infant son, Scott. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Judy Childress, their children David and Beth Childress, Tim and Valerie Childress, Brian and Karin Childress, Kim and Jeff Weaver, and Chris Childress. David was loved and adored by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Tarah and Rob (Butler and Harris), Chelsey and Tyler (Brooks and Cross), Tyler and Mindy (Brody, Brock, Blaze and Bowen), Karly and Cameron (Colston and Cash), Jory, Blake and Jessica (Tripp and Baylor), Dawson, Jeffrey and Sarena (Caleb and Kaylee), Kensie (Teagan), Derek, Nicholas, Ashley and Trevor (Ryker and Veda) and Mikel and Breanna (Faith and Melody). Wonderful in-laws include Brenda Smith, June Woods, Jack and Delores Weaver and many nieces and nephews. David and Judy love their church friends and their Riverbend Campground friends like family.
Friends are invited to gather with the family Sunday, May 2, 2021 from 1:00-3:00pm in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 3:00pm officiated by Rev. Charlie McNutt and will be live-streamed on the Berry Funeral Home Facebook page. The family invites friends to share fond memories and sign the online guestbook at www.berryfuneralhome.com
