Edward "Ed" Eugene Childress - Class of 1943

[Bob]

CHILDRESS, EDWARD EUGENE (ED) - age 88, passed away peacefully at his home April 10, 2014. Ed was born July 9, 1925, in Knoxville to Nancy Riddle Childress and Charles Childress. He was the youngest of eleven children. After graduating from Rule High School, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy in WWII aboard the U.S. Cambria. He retired from KUB with 43 years of service and from the Knox County Sheriff's Department as a court officer in Criminal Court with fourteen years of service. He was a faithful member of Meridian Baptist Church. Ed loved the Lord, his family and his many friends. He loved life, the mountains and all of Gods creations. Photography was his favorite hobby. Ed was preceded in death by a son, Ronald Childress. He is survived by wife of 37 years JoAnn; daughter, Marilyn Jane Childress; sons, Neal Childress, Gary Underwood, and Jeff Underwood and wife Peggy; three grandchildren Evyn Kropf (Will), Brittany Underwood and Matthew Underwood; two great grandchildren, Landon and Raylon; several nieces and nephews who were very special to him. A special thanks to Nancy McNabb, of Florida, who helped care for him during his illness. The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 13th, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Meridian Baptist Church with the celebration of life service to follow at 3:00 p.m., Rev. Dana Fachman officiating. The interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Meridian Baptist Church 6513 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com.