Don Ray Childress

Donald Ray Childress 03/21/1940 – 10/15/2021

Donald Ray Childress of Austin, Texas passed away peacefully the morning of October 15, 2021, due to natural causes.

Don was preceded in death by father, Stacy Childress, mother, Minnie Williams Childress, son, James Childress, daughter, Donna Danal, sister, Evelyn Moore, brother, Clifford Childress, brother, Norman Childress, and brother, Marshall Childress. He is also preceded in death by the mothers of his children, Wanda Childress Foster, and Corrine Rhymes Childress.

He is survived by his son, David Childress, son, Alvin Thomas, daughter, Katherine Childress Wawak, daughter, Ada Childress, and daughter, Theresa Brooks. Don is survived by multiple grandchildren & great-grandchildren. Don is survived by his first wife, Linda Crelia and by the mother of his children, Ruth Childress.

If you asked 100 people who Don Childress was, you’d probably get 100 different answers. Don, Donnie Ray, Donald or “Big-Shamrock” (to those who remember CB radios) worked for Sigmor Shamrock for 7 years, Austin State Hospital for 12 years and went on to owning several businesses after that. To most he was a tall, strong man with a huge heart and a big smile. But to some he was much more than that, he was known as Honey, Dear, Daddy, Pops, Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa.  Don was a “Jack of all Trades,” but, in his own words, a “Master of None.”  Don always had a story to tell and knew how to keep his audience engaged.

A special thank you to Linda Crelia for her loving care and support over the years. Thank you to the people of Austin Rehab and Nursing Home for keeping him comfortable in his final days. Also, the family would like to extend sincere gratitude to towards Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home for being very accommodating and understanding during this difficult time.

Don did not want a funeral service, but rather a celebration of life, “Go and have a party with your loved ones and remember me that way,” he said. The family will be getting together for a memorial at a later date.