Time For Memory

Jackie (Jack) G. Childers passed away peacefully at home on March 16, 2024. He was born in Salt Rock, WV on February 2, 1947 to the late Wilson and Ollie Childers. He was preceded in death by his sister, Janetta Skidmore, and his brother, James (Jimmy) Childers. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Millie Childers; his only daughter, Marisa (Chris) Clarke; two grandsons, Justin (Laura) Childers and Colton Clarke; and his granddaughter Karley Clarke; and a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved very much. Jack graduated from Barboursville High School in 1964. He then went on to Marshall University where he earned a Bachelor of Art’s Degree with a Double Major in English and Spanish along with a Certificate in Secondary Education 7-12. He then moved to Uhrichsville, OH where he taught English and Spanish at Claymont High School until 1970. During the summer of 1970 Jack joined the United States Army. He earned the rank of Sergeant and was stationed in Germany from 1971-1973 as part of the Defense Intelligence Agency. He came back home to West Virginia in 1973 where he met and married Millie. They settled in Huntington, WV where they built their family with their only daughter, Marisa. Jack worked in various office jobs until he settled into a job at Conner’s Steel (which became Steel of West Virginia) in 1981. He worked there until his retirement in 2011. Jack has also served the Huntington community as a member of the East Huntington Kiwanis Club since 1984. He enjoyed serving coffee for many years at the Pancake Festival, but his favorite outreach was the Christmas Party at the Veteran’s Home. Jack served as club president in 1994-95 and was named Kiwanian of the Year in 2007. Jack enjoyed spending time with his family, specifically attending Marshall games and fishing with his oldest grandson, Justin. He loved to watch his granddaughter, Karley light up the stage in her many performances he attended. Finally, listening to his youngest grandson, Colton, play the piano brought him to tears many times with his talent. He was so proud of them all. Many of Jack’s friends have referred to him as “Mr. Piano Man” as he enjoyed sharing his ability to play the piano in various genres from memory. It wasn’t enough to play a song, he added his own flair to whatever he played. He didn’t play the piano for his own enjoyment, it was his gift to everyone who was fortunate enough to hear him play. The family would like to thank the caregivers from Tri-State Life Caregiving, Cabell County Community Service Organization, Visiting Angels, Hospice of Huntington, and Debbie Harman for the care and compassion he was shown during his battle with Parkinson's Disease. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Wallace Funeral Home & Chapel, Barboursville. Burial will be at Baylous Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Advocates Saving Adoptable Pets: Advocates4321@yahoo.com or Little Victories Animal Rescue. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.