Willard Childers

Willard Childers, age 70 of Calhoun, passed away on Monday, July 9, 2018 in Erlanger Medical Center of Chattanooga, TN. Willard was born on July 14, 1947 in Gordon County to the late Charlie Paul Childers and Bessie Hightower Childers. In addition to his parents, Willard was also preceded in death by three brothers-in-law, Charles “Jack” Franklin, J.B. Kirby, and Arnold Kirby. He was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church. Willard was the owner of Childers Body Shop, which he opened in 1975, and enjoyed restoring antique cars. Willard is survived by: his wife of 51 years, Barbara Childers of Calhoun; two sons, Adam Childers and his wife India, and Brian Childers and his wife Erin; daughter, Susan Santizo and her husband, Jose; four grandchildren, Allie Childers, Trevor Childers, Lexi Childers, and Scarlett Santizo; two brothers, Dennis Childers and his wife Brenda, and Kenneth Childers and his wife Jane; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Joyce Franklin, Shirley Kirby, Odessa and LC Davis, Joyce and Rickey Kirby, Elizabeth Kirby, and Karen and Eddie Kirby. Funeral Services will be conducted on Thursday, July 12th at 12 PM at Philadelphia Baptist Church with Reverend Timothy McCulley and Speaker Jerry Davis officiating. Interment will follow in Haven of Rest Memorial Park. Pallbearers serving are: Keith Franklin, Kevin Parker, Larry Powell, Lanny Tomlinson, Ricardo Valle, and Skylar Jones. Honorary Pallbearers are: Herman Childers, Eddie Kirby, Stuart Higdon, Rickey Kirby, Mitch Ralston, George Childers, Dean Price, Craig Jones, Ronald “Bear” Carter, James Whitfield, Bly Jordan, Braden Morgan, and Trevor Childers. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 11th from 5 PM until 8 PM at Thomas Funeral Home. Willard will be taken to the church to lie in state on Thursday, July 12th from 11 AM until the funeral hour at 12 PM. You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com.