David "Dave" Dj Childress

Visitation and services for Mr. David Joseph (Dave) Childress will be held on Monday, July 24, 2017, at Moseley Funeral Home, 914 Meeting Street, West Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM, followed immediately by a memorial service in the Moseley Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be private.

Mr Childress passed away Sunday, July 16, 2017. Born in Bastian, Virginia, he was the oldest son of the late Taulby B. Childress and Nellie Jane Walker Childress. Mr. Childress was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and served in occupied Italy following World War ll.

He was a man who believed in positive first impressions, and, for 22 years, was proud to be the first person both employees and visitors encountered at the security desk at Colonial Life Insurance Company. After retiring, he delivered parts for Classic Ford, finally leaving the workforce at age 86. He made many friends, and some were lucky enough to become fishing buddies. He loved NASCAR, fishing, a cold beer, and his truck, not necessarily in that order. He never forgot his roots, and made countless trips to Virginia, keeping beloved distant relatives close. He spent many happy long weekends in the mountains, fishing and camping with his brothers and their sons and grandsons, and immediately went about planning the next trip as soon as he returned home. At home, he could often be found in his backyard shop, his pride and joy, tinkering or watching races on TV, or enjoying the wildlife in his yard. He spoke often of the peculiar habits of squirrels and birds, particularly the hummingbirds. His many bird feeders never hung empty. He was fond of Gospel music, occasionally singing along in a deep bass voice to the delight of his then young daughters, and always flew an American flag, ever mindful of its proper handling. A great listener, he never forgot even the smallest details.

He was a caring and involved Dad, sharing in our triumphs and heartbreaks, always ready to help with problems, or provide his van and strong arms for yet another local relocation. He was probably more excited about our first cars than we were.

His absence will be felt in many ways.

Mr. Childress is survived by daughters Vicky (John) Gardner and Beth Shealy, all of Gilbert, brother Bob Childress of Alta Vista, VA, sisters Eddith “Toots” Stowers of Fairlawn, VA, and Marian Sarver of Roxboro, NC. He enjoyed special bonds with his nieces and nephews, who knew him as Uncle “DJ”. Also surviving is the mother of his daughters, Ann Wilson. He was predeceased by wife, Louise Childress, brothers Wayne “Tag” Childress, and William “Bud Childress, and sister, Ola Barrow.

The family wishes to thank Tri-County Hospice for the compassionate, ever-present care team they provided. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to SCOA Cares, 166 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC.