Billie W. Childers, age 88

Billie W. Childers, age 88, of Forest City, passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

Billie was born May 23, 1935 in Rutherford County to the late Jesse Childers and Hettie Humphries Childers. He was a graduate of Tri-High School and also attended Isothermal Community College and Gardner-Webb University. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He worked many years for Duke Power as a Regional Millwright Superintendent before retirement. Billie was a member of Caroleen United Methodist Church. He was an endowed member of the Cliffside Masonic Lodge #460 and twice a Past Master. As a member of the Scottish Rite, he was a 32nd degree Mason.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, William "Chili" Childers; brothers, Jessie B. Childers, Robert Lee Childers and brother-in-law, Henry Hoyle.

Those left to treasure his memory includes his wife of 70 years, Neely Childers; daughter, Abbe C. Byers (P.J.) of Forest City; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, daughter-in-law, Julia Childers of Newton; sisters-in-law, Trina Hoyle of Myrtle Beach, Jenny Childers of Gaffney and a number of nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held October 6 at Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Lanny J. Funchess officiating. Military honors were accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard.

Memorial donations requested to Caroleen United Methodist Church, PO Box 187, Caroleen, NC 28019 or to the charity of one's choice.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.