Billy Ray Childers

Billy Ray Childers, a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and Arkansas Army National Guard, passed away peacefully at home on February 4, 2024. Billy retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 after 41.5 years of service including working for 7 years at the Air Defense Missile base in Warrington, PA. He retired after serving at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in the CSMS Maintenance Shop. Billy grew up in Atkins, AR. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Ilah Childers; four brothers G.W., D.K., James, and Don; and one sister Gearlene. 

Billy knew all there was to know about maintaining the perfect lawn. If he was not taking meticulous care of his lawn, he could be found spending time exercising. He often outlifted everyone at the gym, even the younger men. Through the good, the bad, and the ugly he was an avid fan of the Hogs. He rarely missed a game of any sport they broadcast on his TV. He had a sense of humor and was known for joking around with the grandchildren each time they would visit. Above all, Billy was a devoted provider to his family. He always ensured his family had what they needed and occasionally what they wanted too.  He took pride in spoiling his beautiful wife on holidays and her birthday. 

Billy is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Phyllis (Carpineti) Childers; sister Bobbie (Childers) Norris of Kansas; sister-in-law Dean Childers of Atkins; three children Linda Carroll of Sherwood, Donald (Camille) Childers of Sherwood, and Bruce (Lisa) Childers of Greenbrier; six grandchildren Misty (Stephen) Redd of Cabot, John (Vanessa) Carter of Dallas, Kristin (Jesse) Moore of Greenbrier, Rachel Machen of Sherwood, Philip (Morgan) Childers of Sherwood, and Megan (Zane) Young of Florida; and ten great grandchildren Blayne, Avery, Dean, Della, Zachary, McKenzie, Isaac, Finley, Cannon, and Aurelia. 

Visitation will be from 6:00PM–8:00PM Monday, February 12, 2024, at Smith-Sherwood Funeral Home (7700 Hwy 107). A funeral service will be held at 10:00AM Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the funeral home with burial following at Oakland Cemetery in Atkins.