Robert Louie Childress' Obituary
Robert Louie Childress walked into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Robert will be available for viewing at Rader Funeral Home on Thursday, June 19th. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, June 20th at Woodland Hills Baptist Church Perkins Chapel at 1:00pm; He was 89 years old.
Born in Gilmer, Texas on March 20, 1936, to Lillie Pearl Newsom and William S. Childress. Robert spent his early years in the Ore City area with his three brothers and four sisters. While growing up he worked in his father’s garage where he developed a love for cars that carried throughout his life. Always tinkering on old cars and motorcycles in his spare time.
During this time in Ore City, he met the love of his life, Marilyn Sue Smith. He entered the Army in 1956 and served as a mechanic for 2 years. During his time in the Army, he and Sue married on October 20, 1957.
After serving in the army the couple moved to Longview in 1961. He worked as a helper for a contractor that installed ceilings. Not long after, Robert and his business partner, Bobby decided to start their own business East Texas Acoustical. For over 56 years they built a successful business transforming the ceilings and floors around East Texas.
As a lifelong Christian and member of Woodland Hills Baptist Church for 30 years, he was always making sure the church had what it needed to build its buildings to share the gospel with Longview. Robert was always putting a smile on the faces of children at church by making sure he had a pack of gum to share.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Lillie and WS Childress, his siblings Wallace, Donald, Billy Wayne, Priscilla, Mildred, Ruth, and Mary Frances.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Marylin Sue Childress and his children: Keith Childress, wife Patty and Elaine Childress Day, and husband Tim. Pop adored all of his grandchildren; Sam, Diana, Ally, Jack and Emme and was loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Woodland Hills Christian Academy care of Woodland Hills Baptist Church in Longview, Texas (whbchurch.com)
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