John Earl Childress

John Earl Childress, Jr. 91, of Kingsport, died Wednesday, February 5, 2025. John was born in Kingsport, where he grew up on the family farm and was a graduate of Sullivan High School, class of 1951, and East Tennessee State University. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving in Chicago and then two years in Germany. After military duty, he worked in retail and then was an employee of Kingsport Press, working in the New York sales office, returning to Kingsport after two years. John was in real estate for more than 50 years, opening his own office until his retirement. He then worked for Blue Ridge Properties until health complications. John was a member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church, where he was a long-time member of the choir, which he greatly enjoyed.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John E. and Irene Pecktol Childress; wife, June McCelland Childress; brother, Harold Childress; and aunt, Margaret Bedford.

Survivors include his sister Martha Ann Pierce and husband, Harold; brother, Robert W. Childress and wife, Dawn; and several nieces, nephews, and special friends, the John & Joy Mullen family.

A Memorial service will be conducted on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at First Broad Street United Methodist Church with Pastor Randy Frye officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff at Preston Place as well as NHC, Kingsport for their loving care of John.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, 100 E. Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.