Jesse Robert Childress

Jesse Robert "Bob" Childress, 92, of Altavista died Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Autumn Care of Altavista. He was the husband of the late Janet Lee Kelly Childress. He was born August 3, 1932 in Bastian, a son of the late Taulby Basil Childress and Nellie Jane Walker Childress. Bob graduated from Rocky Gap High School and then served in the Army's elite Old Guard at Ft. Meyer, VA. After he married, he and his wife settled in Ravenswood, WV, where Bob was employed in providing safety for workers at Kaiser Aluminum. After finishing an associate's degree, Bob became a Personnel Manager for Crown Aluminum, Burlington Industries, and BGF. He retired from the Altavista BGF plant in 1998. He served as president of the North Carolina American Society of Safety Engineers. Bob lived a life of service to his community. He and his wife, Janet, were beloved members of First Baptist Church of Altavista, where Bob served as Deacon and a Sunday School teacher for many years. Both he and Janet were life-long supporters of The Arc and Sheltered Workshops, including the Otter River Resource Center. Bob was president of the Altavista Chamber of Commerce and served on the Management Relations Committee of the VA Chamber of Commerce. He was a member of the board at the Avoca Museum. He was a Mason for 59 years, most recently associated with Campbell 316. Over the years, he worked tirelessly in Lions and Kiwanis Clubs. Bob also loved music and trout fishing. He is survived by his daughter, Melanie (Mark Reuter); a grandson, Joshua (Laryssa), a granddaughter, Mary (Brian Waite); three great-grandchildren, Lily, Eli and Dylan; a special companion, Doris Meadows Strader; her son, Walter (Jerusha); her grandchildren, Ashley (Brian Ingram), Jordan Strader and Kevin, Eli, Teadora and Victoria Kazmier; a great-grandson, Everett; and honorary daughter-in-law, Tammy Clay. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Wayne Childress. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 21, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Altavista by Rev. Alden Gallimore, Rev. Dr. Michael Lee, Rev. Kirby Smith, Rev. Laura Smith and Rev. Mark Reuter with interment to follow in Green Hill Cemetery with military honors by American Legion Appomattox Post 104. The family will receive friends beginning one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, Bob requested that donations be made to the Avoca Museum and Historical Society, 1514 Main Steet, Altavista, VA 24517 or First Baptist Church, 1001 Bedford Avenue, Altavista, VA 24517. A special thanks to the First Baptist Church of Altavista for their care of the Childress family over the past 30 years. Finch & Finch Funeral and Cremation Service, Altavista is in charge of arrangements.

Jesse Robert Childress

August 3, 1932 - September 19, 2024