Larry Wayne Childress

Larry Wayne Childress, age 72, passed away on May 4, 2023, in Bristol, Texas. He was born on June 10, 1950, in Ennis, Texas, to the late Wayne and Grace Childress (Barker). Larry grew up and attended Ennis schools before transferring to Ferris where he graduated from Ferris High School in 1968. Larry played football throughout and developed a passion for weightlifting. After graduation he joined the Marine Corp where he was based in Hawaii for his 18 months in service. Larry later went to East Texas State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Psychology. After his enlistment was up Larry came back to the Dallas area where he began work as a juvenile corrections officer for Dallas County. He would spend 28 years there before retiring.  Weightlifting was Larry’s passion and it stayed with him through every stage in life. He would eventually go on to become a state champion for lifting 660 in 1975. He lifted 300 pounds in the snatch and 360 pounds in the clean and jerk which earned him a state championship. He was the 6th person to snatch over 300 pounds. When Larry wasn’t working or weightlifting, he was traveling. Larry had been all over: Iceland, Australia, Italy, and Ireland to name a few. Larry loved going to restaurants with friends enjoying all types of foods. He will be missed by all that knew him.

Larry is preceded in death by his parents Wayne Childress and Grace Barker, siblings: Myrtle Faye Sparkman, Johnny Ray Andrews, Ronald Whitford, and Linda Howard.

He is survived by his brother John Whitford (Billy) of Bristol, Texas, niece Judy and spouse Marty Davis of Bristol, Texas, nephew John (Wilie) and spouse Kim Whitford of Bristol, Texas, niece Lisa and Scott Howard-Lyday of Waxahachie, Texas, niece Carol DeHut of Hot Springs, Arkansas, lifelong best friend Tommy Witherspoon of Bristol, Texas as well as many of family members and friends.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 14th, 2023, at 12 noon at Green Funeral Home located at 207 S. Wood St. Ferris, Texas 75125.

A graveside service will follow at 2:30pm at the Bristol Cemetery located at 400 Union Hill Rd. Ennis, Texas 75119

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