William "Gene" Childers' Obituary
William Eugene (Gene) Childers, of Waxhaw, NC, passed peacefully at his home on June 28, 2021.
Gene was born on January 19, 1939 in Huntersville, NC to the late Walter Augustus Childers and Alma Elizabeth Jones Childers. A graduate of Mooresville Highschool, North Carolina Vocational Textile School, and Central Piedmont Community College in Engineering, Gene retired from Pharr Yarns in Gastonia, NC after 43 years in the textile business.
The youngest of eleven children, Gene was instilled with an intense love of God, country and family. He served honorably in the Unites States Army as an MP with the 82nd Airborne 8th Infantry Division. He had a passion for carpentry, always working on home projects as well as giving of his time and talent to others. He also enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, boating, exercising, church, and spending time with family and his precious dogs Merlot and Boo.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Gene was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers, and one sister. He is survived by a sister Christine Williams of Mooresville, son Scott Childers, grandchildren Cassidy and Clay Childers, and daughter Robin Childers and her husband David Sobol all of Gaffney, SC. Also surviving is his long-time companion Rachel Kennerly of Waxhaw who blessed Gene with a wonderful family that included three sons and daughters-in-law, Andy and Shawna Stegall of Waxhaw, Byron and Margie Stegall of Monroe, Tommy and Tina Stegall of Charlotte as well as grandchildren, Justin, Daniel, Harley, Jewel, Adam, Matthew, and Sydney McClure. Sydney and her husband Josh McClure blessed Gene and Rachel with their first great grandchild, Logan.
A private service and interment will be held on July 6 along the banks of his beloved Lake Norman, where he spent so many hours boating, fishing, and water skiing. Receiving of friends will be held from 2-4pm on July 6th at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 416 W. North Main Street, P.O. Box 56, Waxhaw, NC 28173. www.AmazingGraceLutheran.church
Gene loved animals, especially his dogs. In leu of flowers, please donate in his honor to the Humane Society of Charlotte or your local animal shelter.
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