Reid Wesley Childress, age 91, died Saturday, April 21, 2012 in FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst.
He was born in Surry County on July 27, 1920 to the late Carl W. Childress and Mecie Matthews Childress. He was an active member of Montpelier Presbyterian Church, where he served as Elder and Deacon. He was a World War II Veteran with distinguished service in the Army Air Corp, as a 1st Lieutenant. He was stationed in Italy and was part of the invasion of France in 1944, as a copilot of a C-47. Following the war, he began a career as a farmer in Hoke County with T. B. Upchurch, Inc. After farming for years, he and his wife opened a tax and bookkeeping business in Raeford, which they operated until their retirements.
He was involved in numerous business and civic organizations throughout his life. Among his many involvements were Hoke County Farm Bureau, American Legion Post 449, Production Credit Association Executive Board, Cooperative Tobacco Warehouse Board of Directors, and was a Founding Member of the Raeford Lion's Club and President of the Cape Fear Chapter of Accountants.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Pearl McKenzie Childress, his brother, Warren Childress, and three sisters, Eva Faircloth, Ruth Leslie and Rebecca Childress.
Survivors include three sisters-in-law, Katie M. Childress of Raeford, Dora Carmack of Pollocksville and Frances McKenzie of Palatka, Florida, and many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great nieces and great-great nephews.
The family will receive relatives and friends 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at Crumpler Funeral Home, 131 Harris Avenue, Raeford.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at Montpelier Presbyterian Church with CRE Jim Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Montpelier Presbyterian Church, Building Fund, PO Box 407, Wagram, NC 28396.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com.