Samuel Childress

Samuel Childress, 75, of Vermilion, passed away Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Mercy Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.

He was born March 16, 1950, in Grundy, Virginia, and had made Vermilion his home since 1983.

A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Samuel carried his sense of dedication and service into his professional life. Over the years, he worked for U.S. Steel, Donn Products, the Shipyard, and ultimately spent the majority of his career at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant, where he retired in 2006.

Sam was a man of many interests and talents. In his younger years, he enjoyed snow and water skiing, and throughout his life he loved fishing, boating, golfing and tending to his father's fruit orchard. He had a knack for building intricate model trains and repairing computers and electronics for friends and family. Sam especially cherished time spent with loved ones, delighting his nieces and nephews with his magic tricks and warm sense of humor.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Malinda (née Beining) Childress; brothers, Frank (Norma) Childress, Timothy (Geri) Childress, and James (Ginger) Childress; his sister, Carol (Jon) Lamprecht; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Betty (née Smith) Childress.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion. Pastor Cooper will officiate, and military honors will be presented.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

Online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.