Clyde Joseph Childers

Clyde Joseph Childers, born on June 8, 1940, in Decatur, Alabama, died peacefully on August 31, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family and the steady stream of friends who never stopped showing up, just like he always had for them.

Clyde's life stretched from Alabama to Ohio, Georgia to Indianapolis. In Massillon, Ohio, he was a football legend. A star for the Massillon Tigers, he was named First Team All-Ohio, one of many awards and honors he received during his football career. He was recruited from all over the country, but proudly chose to be a Georgia Bulldog and remained a lifelong Dawg and member of the UGA Football Lettermen's Club. He was a 50 year member of the Millersville Masonic Lodge, a member of the Carmel American Legion, and served on the BOSMA Board of Directors for several years.

After a brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, he served his country in the U.S. Army stateside during Vietnam, then moved to Indianapolis to start his career at Ford Motor Company. Indy became home, and so did its teams. Clyde was a devoted Colts fan and was proud to be there in person for their Super Bowl win. He was a champion-level tailgater and sat in Turn 3 for every Indy 500 for decades. Both of his kids were named with loving nods to the 500 (yes, really).

Clyde never really retired from life, he just retired from Ford. In the years since, he built a community through the Cigar Box and Cigar Haven, where friendships were formed over cigars, scotch, football, and endless storytelling. He cherished his friends in the "Holy Smokes" crew, and his entire cigar-shop family who gave him years of laughter and support.

He traveled the world with Diane, making memories and sharing adventures. He was the kind of guy who could undo any good dog's manners, then laugh as they climbed into his lap. He loved trivia and knew a little bit about everything. He never missed a movie, loved golf, roller coasters, and insisted on taking each of his granddaughters to Disney World for their first magical trips.

Clyde is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Diane Marrell Childers; his children, Jill Rezek (Richard) and Gary Childers; his granddaughters, Violet Worth and Sophia Childers; his sister, Marty Brokaw; his mother-in-law, Betty Marrell; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Jake and Becky Wagner and Dennis and Sheena Marrell; his nieces and nephews; his chosen bonus family: Christian and Balie Strnad, their sons Liam and Wyatt; Roger, Marsha, and Piper Ingram; and countless close friends. He is also survived by his loyal dog, Lucky.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Georgia Brown Childers; his parents, Hubert and Lillian; his brothers, Jim and Bill Childers; and a long, beloved line of dogs who no doubt greeted him tail-wagging.

Clyde was cared for with deep compassion by extraordinary doctors and nurses, and his family will always be grateful.

Above all else, Clyde was a really good man. He listened deeply, stayed curious, worked hard, and treated everyone like a friend.

A celebration of life is being planned for October 2025.

In lieu of flowers please take care of each other, have some fun, and cheer for anyone but Georgia Tech.

Memorial donations can be made to: Boys & Girls Club of Massillon, Ohio or Humane Society of Hamilton County, Indiana