And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, " The Lord is with you, you mighty man of Valor."
Ralph David Childress, Sr., of Auburndale, FL, 79, crossed over to Glory, Thursday December 6, 2012 at Lakeland Regional Hospital in Lakeland, FL, after a heroic battle with Esophageal Cancer.
Services will be held this Sunday, December 9th at Crossroads Community Church, 2583 Thornhill Road, Auburndale: Viewing at 1:30 PM followed by Ceremony at 2:30 PM. Graveside service 4:30pm at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Ft. Meade (intersection of US Hwy 98 E & Parrish Rd).
Ralph Childress was born to the late Lufayett and Mattie Lane Childress on January 11, 1933 in Fort Meade, Florida. He is survived by his son's, Ralph David Childress, Jr., Michael Joseph (Crystal) Childress, and Randy Eugene Childress of Auburndale, FL; two sisters, Louise Twiss and Susie Loyd of Fort Meade; nine grandchildren, a great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
Ralph was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Army and Army Reserves for 9 years. He was a long standing member of Crossroads Community Church in Auburndale, the Thonotosassa Native American Christian Circle and the Sacred Circle of Auburndale. He was also a founding member of Afterlife Ministry as well as the Healing Circle. He was working at CSX until March 2012, when he left due to his illness. He was a truck driver the greater portion of his life.
Ralph was known for his great love for his family and friends, and his great love for the Lord. He always had a joke ready for any ear ready to listen and found time for a good western. He had a very unselfish heart, always willing to help anyone in need. He never failed to be there for his children and family, and loved them all unconditionally. He was an imperfect picture of the Father's love for us. He was faithful in rising early every morning to do his devotions with Irma "Grandmother Run in Rain" Appleton, and refused to leave this world for his true home without one more round of Billy Graham Devotions, in which after being read to him, he passed away peacefully. He was an inspiration to many, loved by many, and will be greatly missed by many. The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor.
Please sign the guestbook below.
Happy Trails Ralph.
I love and miss you, Dad.
God bless you! Thank you for your service to our country.
May The Lord bless you and keep you as you go through these trying times. Our deepest condolences. The Leroy Walker family, The Thomas Engram family, The Jeff Norman family, The Lonne Flowers family, The Harry Campbell family and The Lee Walker Jr family.
Miss and love you grandpa Ralph <3
Are prayers to you and your family
Absent from the body, present with the Lord: such a sweet comfort for the family because there is no other solace.Prayers continue for the family.
I always enjoyed the fellowship at the Men’s Breakfast, and Ralph’s love and warmth toward the men there. A true soldier has gone home.
Enjoy the memories you have created with your father. He will be watching over you and your family as you continue to make memories to come with your loved ones.
Ralph pops childress you was an amazing man to say the least..You always called to chit chat and u don’t know how much them calls will be missed..but we know u finally made it home to our father and I can only imagin how glorious it is .. right now ur farwell party is in effect and I can’t be there but ur always n my soul good buddy.. all my love pops .. love u always
My heart is sad, but at the same time I’m happy for Ralph! I will miss his pokes and his kindness, we have lost a great Warrior and Heaven has gained an Angel ….Songbird <3
now your circle has been completed while our’s will feel the void. you will be greatly missed. your friends, margaret and jd
I love you dad and you will allways be in my thoughts i miss you but i know you are in a better place.
pops you will be missed but know we will see you in a little while.we all love you and we know that you dancing with joy in the great hunting lands. love you and miss you. your grandson justin WADO
My Veteran Brother-in-Yahushua:
You are truly a mighty man of valor and your legacy of kindness and grace lives on through Afterlife ministries. I am honored to be your friend. Praise Yahweh!