Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Ronald Childress Obituary
September 13, 1945 - July 17, 2025
Alexandria, Virginia - Col. Ronald "Ron" Childress died peacefully on July 17, 2025. He was a devoted husband and father with a deep commitment to his religious faith.
Born in Florida as part of the post-World War II baby boom, he spent time in California and Virginia following his father, a career military man, as he moved from assignment to assignment.
Col. Childress attended Cornell University, where he pledged Alpha Tau Omega and earned a degree in government in 1967. After Cornell, he joined the Air Force and served as an intelligence officer during the Vietnam and Gulf Wars. He was fluent in Russian and German. After thirty-two years in the Air Force reserve, he retired as a Colonel in 1999.
In between stints on active duty, he earned MA and PhD degrees in political philosophy at Harvard University. In 1978, he completed a law degree at the University of South Carolina and established a private practice in Columbia.
After practicing law for a few years, Col. Childress was called to public service once again as Richland County Attorney. Once his term expired, he was recruited for several governmental projects focused on introducing Russians to the American economic and judicial systems. In 1993, his family accompanied him on a three year tour in Moscow, Russia. He continued to work for the government in various capacities in Washington, DC before returning to Columbia to serve as staff attorney at the US District Court.
Following retirement, Col. Childress brought his vast knowledge of Russia and its legal system to students at the University of South Carolina Law School, where he taught a course on Russian law for the past two decades.
He is survived by his wife, Susie, and his two sons, David (Stacie) and Andrew (Dara) as well as his sister, DeDe Childress. He has four grandchildren: Sophia, Owen, David, and Wyatt, all of whom he doted on. He was preceded in death by his father, Col. Peter M. Childress, and mother, Betty M. Childress, as well as his brother, Col. John S. Childress.
A memorial service will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Columbia, SC on August 23rd at 11:00 a.m. He will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Project.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Childress
Michael and Brenda Cerkez
August 23, 2025
We knew Ron from Saint Joseph Church. He was very deep in his faith and a God loving man. His kindness to us and others was beyond compare. We loved spending time with him talking, or just enjoying his company. May God bless his soul.
Rev. Dr. Mark S. Bredholt, Chaplain
August 22, 2025
Ron was an incredible person with many gifts. In many ways he was a true Renaissance Man: theology, geopolitics, law, military science and civics and many other avenues.
Also, he was a man of his word and had a deep conscience and understood the call to sacrifice to serve others.
As a hospice and oncology chaplain, I was pleased to know his father, Pete, and his mother, Betty. He truly grew up with a foundation that valued love, honor and respect.
May God's grace and love bring comfort to the hearts of family and friends and through the gift of faith live with trusting the horizon of the promised reunion.
Jeannine Rocha
August 18, 2025
I am so sorry to learn of Ron´s death. He was our group leader at our Wednesday night Bible study group at Saint Joseph Church for 3 years. He was such a nice and knowable man. He was a pleasure to know. He often spoke of his wife and sons lovingly. I learned a lot from him. Jeannine Rocha, PH.D. He will be sorely missed.
Maria smoak
August 7, 2025
Susie, I am so sorry to learn of Ron's passing. He was always such a nice and thoughtful person. Thinking of you and lifting you and your family in prayer as I reminisce about our JWC days.
John Tribble
July 30, 2025
DeDe I am sorry for your loss. hugs and miss seeing you.
Anne R. Henley
July 29, 2025
I am so sorry to read of Ron's passing.
He was a law clerk when I worked at District Court and he was always so nice. Very smart and quite generous with his time when there were questions. May Susie and the boys find peace and comfort as only our Heavenly Father can provide.
Robert G Dussault
July 28, 2025
Many condolences to Ron's complete family and all of his friends. Ron and I were in Air Force Intelligence together...He was a wonderful friend and cohort. Will remember him well and will miss him. Bob Dussault, AF 1966-1986. Air Force Civilian 1986-2000. I now live in Anacortes, WA.
Ray Abdalla
July 28, 2025
I remember Ron from our days at Good Shepherd catholic church, and all of the
wonderful conversations we used to have. He was truly a remarkable man and one
that will be sorely missed. The world needs more men like him.
May he rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.
Mark S McGill
July 27, 2025
So sorry to hear of Ron,s passing. He and his family were next door neighbor's for 40 years! We chatted almost daily over a wide variety of subjects,especially the Goosetopo,a private joke! Always wryly humorous and witty! Rest in Peace my dear friend and Neighbor.
Carolyn Cason Matthews
July 27, 2025
Ron and I were in law school together, and served together at the South Carolina Supreme Court as staff attorneys and Law Clerks. He was so highly intelligent, always cheerful, and a true Renaissance man! He helped me work on my high-school German language. And he adored Susie and his children. His health precluded joining us at Supreme Court law clerks reunion last year, and he was greatly missed..
God bless his family and comfort you with the assurance of a life well-lived and a glorious reunion one day.
Tausand Danke, Ron!
Jason R. Gettinger
July 27, 2025
Well done, sir. Captain, USAR; VSM, VCR.
Betsy Heynen (Robinson)
July 27, 2025
Susie, I was so very saddened to learn of Ron's death. Besides my long memories of you and our friendship (remember my wedding cake?), I recall Ron's glorious talk at a club meeting, and how he left us all inspired and awed. You were all blessed withRon's life and service, and I know you will miss him deeply. He was a very special gentleman.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Ronald Childress's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Ronald Childress
How to support Ronald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ronald Childress's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
