Thomas Allen Childress, 96, went home to be with The Lord on Friday, February 15, 2013 at his home in Union, Missouri.

Born in Greenville, SC on October 13, 1916, he was the son of the late Thomas Lloyd Childress and Letha Hattie Gravatt.

He attended Overbrook Gospel Chapel before relocating out-of-state.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 70 years, Martha S. Childress of Union, MO; four children, James E. Childress of Simpsonville, Caroline A. Naysmith of Charlotte, NC, Linda S. Milliken of Union, MO and David A. Childress of Lake Wales, FL; his sister, Della C. Hazel of Greenville; sixteen grandchildren and forty-three great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 12:30 p.m. at Graceland Mortuary. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel, officiated by Ed Goodwin, with burial following in Graceland West Cemetery.