William “Tom” Thomas Childress

Birth Date: 01/16/1948
Deceased Date: 02/22/2023

William Thomas “Tom” Childress, age 75, passed away Wednesday evening, February 22, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Born January 16, 1948 in Randolph County he was a son of the late William Frank and Nancy Woodard Childress.

Tom, “Whistling Tom” as he was known by many, fought a courageous battle with cancer for three years. Tom grew up between Jacksonville, Florida and Pine Level, NC. He served proudly in the Marine Corps and went on to attend NC State University. After meeting and marrying Shelby, they moved to the Princeton area to raise their family. Tom worked in the physical therapy field for over 45 years and always went above and beyond for his patients and coworkers. He was a fiercely devoted husband, father and grandfather. Shelby was truly the love of his life and his children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, watching sports and walking his dog, Sam.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Parrish Funeral Home in Selma.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Shelby Gray Childress; son, William Scott Childress and wife Ericka of Dighton, MA; daughter, Denise Childress Pearce and husband Scotty of Princeton, NC; brother, Vernon Frank Childress of Anchorage, AK; and grandchildren, Jordan Pearce Fader and husband Alan of Kansas City, MO, Jarrett Pearce and wife Lindsey of Princeton, NC and Jamie Pearce of Princeton.

Flowers are appreciated or memorial contributions may be sent to 3HC, 2402 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com.