Claude Evert Childress

Claude Evert Childress was born April 29, 1932, as the sixth child of the union between Charlie Childress and Betty Pardue Childress. He attended Benham Elementary and graduated from Traphill High School in 1951. Shortly after graduation, he married his high school sweetheart and classmate Jo Anne. They would have a son, Greg, and daughter, Glinda, grandson Zeffrey, and ‘the other Childress boy,’ David Ayers. As a necessity to support family, he started what would become his lifelong occupation as a bricklayer. After several years of mastering his craft while working in Winston-Salem and Newport News, Virginia he returned to Traphill and partnered with Kelly Sidden, creating Traphill Masonry Contractors. Kelly's brother, Rex Sidden, became a valuable career employee and friend. This trio would construct beautiful homes, schools, libraries, hospitals, and federal buildings.

Claude was an avid outdoorsman making several trips to Montana to fish and hunt with his son. He enjoyed nature, quiet walks, and appreciated all of God's creations. He loved many pets over the years, especially his beloved cat, Lady, and trusted dog, Bandit.

One aspect of Claude's life was his Masonic affiliation. This all started when he was laying brick on the steps of Traphill Masonic Lodge. His curiosity got the best of him and he wanted to know what this organization was all about. He found that the tenants of freemasonry aligned perfectly with his life values. Claude petitioned on June 24, 1954, received his Entered Apprentice degree September 4, 1954, Fellowcraft degree October 2, 1954, and raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason November 6, 1954. In three years Claude became Master of the Traphill Lodge #483 in 1957 and was Master again in 1961 and 1998. He became a class A certified lecturer in North Carolina. This allowed him to perform all Masonic ritual. Mentoring and coaching others was his passion. He was nominated to enter the Grand Officers line but declined due to his business and family obligations. He continued his Masonic education by completing the York Rite degrees.  In 2011, Claude was nominated and received, from Grandmaster Lewis Ledford, the highest honor bestowed on a freemason in North Carolina, the Joseph Montfort Award. In almost 70 years of freemasonry, Claude's character has been on the level, and like the plumb, upright before God and man.

While in Virginia, Claude and Jo Anne, were baptized and became members of Copeland Park Baptist Church in 1958. Upon returning to Traphill they became members of Round Hill Baptist Church where he served as a deacon, teacher, and superintendent.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by siblings Walter, John, Louise, Ruby, Virginia, and Betty. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Jo Anne; son, Greg Childress (Joan) of Volborg, Montana; daughter Glinda McGuire (Joe) of Traphill; grandson, Zeffrey Childress of Hendersonville, NC; and brother, Bobby of Lewisville, NC.

The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Garrison and Tiffany, Dr. Steven Meadows, and Mountain Valley Hospice for their compassionate care. Special appreciation to our hospice nurse, Jonathon Decker, and hospice aide, Elizabeth Barker.

The family will receive friends Monday, February 12, 2024, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Elkin Funeral Service. A funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Elkin Funeral Service Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Gilreath officiating. Interment will follow at Round Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with Masonic Rites.

Memorials may be made to The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford: https://mhc-oxford.org/ways-to-help/