John Allen Childress

John Allen Childress age 73 of Fries, Virginia passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

He was born on April 21, 1953 in Wytheville, Virginia to John Wesley and Marliss Christine Stillwell Childress. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Glen and Damon Childress and his sister Rhonda Gravley.

John served in the United States Army and spent his career as a driller. John was a man of few words, but when he spoke, he was witty and “Held no punches.”

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ann Childress of the home; one son John Paul Childress; one daughter and son-in-law Amanda and Christopher Smith all of Fries, Virginia; two sisters Sharon (Jimmy) Sizemore of Galax, Virginia; and Lesia (Gary) Crigger of Hillsville, Virginia; grandchildren Chelsie (Ethan) Higgins; Laken (Zachary) Phipps; Hannah Smith (fiancé’ Zane Cox) and Mea Smith; and great-grandchildren Jace; Colton; Skylar; Irelyn and Reid.

John will be missed greatly by his family and at this time there will be no services. The family will gather to honor his memory at a later date.