Wally Childress

    Wallace Dale "Wally" Childress, 79, of Panama City Beach, Florida, passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at Gulf coast Regional Medical Center in Panama City Beach. He was born on July 14, 1945, in Olney, Illinois, the son of M.L. and June (Shearer) Childress. Wally married Barbara Shelton in 1966, and she survives. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during Vietnam. He worked as an electrician at Pattiki Coal Mine in Carmi until he retired in 2010. Wally was a member of the First Christian Church. He was an excellent woodworker, machinist, plumber, and videographer. Wally enjoyed hunting, woodworking and was a great story teller. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Wally will always be remembered for his laugh and smile. 

    In addition to his wife, Barbara Childress of Panama City Beach, FL, Wally is survived by his children, Marla (Tim Bowen) Webb of Newburgh, IN. and Mark (Lori) Childress of Libertyville, IL; grandchildren, Haleigh (Jake) Bennett, Sidnee Calvert, Drake (Chandler McBride) Calvert, Grant Webb, Gia Webb, Gavin Childress and Cole Bowen; three great-grandchildren, Sunny, Ozzie and Gus Bennett; siblings, Gary Childress and Connie Leonard both of Colorado; and numerous, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Diane Childress.

   Funeral services for Wally Childress will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi, with full military rites provided by the Carmi VFW and American Legion. Family and friends may visit from 2:00 p.m. until time of service on January 2, 2025, at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Wally's memory to Pets at Risk and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. Donations may also be mailed to 609 W. Main St. Carmi, IL. 62821.