Hugh Leonard Childress, Sr.

Hugh Leonard Childress, Sr., 92, of Piedmont, husband of the late Carolyn Faye Childress, passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023.

He was born in Greenville County, SC on August 21, 1931, a son of the late Ernest and Leah Strutton Childress. Hugh served his country for a remarkable 21 years in the US Air Force, valiantly serving during the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Cold War. After his military service, he went on to work for Michelin for 19 years until his well-deserved retirement. Hugh will be remembered as a loving father and grandfather who always prioritized the needs of others before his own. He had an innate ability to make everyone around him feel valued and loved. Hugh's kind-hearted nature and generosity touched the lives of many. One of Hugh's greatest passions was his love for hunting and fishing. Spending time outdoors brought him immense joy and allowed him to connect with nature. Additionally, he was an avid supporter of the Clemson Tigers football team.  A regular fixture at Athas Restaurant in Powdersville, Hugh would start his day with a hearty breakfast there. Over time, he built strong friendships with fellow diners and became a beloved member of the Powdersville community. His presence will be greatly missed among his friends in the Powdersville, Piedmont, and Wren areas. Hugh was a member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church, where he found solace and deepened his spiritual beliefs over the years. His sense of faith guided him through life's challenges and provided him with strength during difficult times.

Hugh is survived by three sons, Hugh L. Childress, Jr., David C. Childress (Jamie), and James E. Childress (Lisa Michelle); 14 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is preceded in death by 2 daughters, Teresa C. Anderson, and Lenora Jane Segars; and five siblings, Alan Childress, Furman Childress, Paul Childress, Marvin Childress, and Louise Thomason.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 12:00 PM until 1:15 PM at Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road. A funeral service will follow at 1:30 PM in the Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow the service at Greenville Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Patriot Hospice & Palliative Care, 4741 SC-153, Suite B, Easley, SC 29642.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory – Powdersville Road, Easley.