Robert Timothy “Tim” Childress

Tim Childress peacefully passed into the presence of God on Friday, February 18 at Providence Health Center, surrounded by his family. A memorial service will be held at Antioch Community Church in Waco on Friday, March 25, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome to join the Childress family as Tim will be honored with full military honors. His ashes will be inurned at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas at a future date.

Tim was born the second of four boys to Frances Sigler and Bob Childress in Shreveport, Louisiana on June 18, 1959. After graduation from high school, Tim joined the U.S. Air Force and later the U.S. Army, giving 30 years of his life to his country with the completion of four tours of duty in the Middle East. Tim retired at the rank of Major, having served as a Finance Officer and Combat Armor Officer during his military career. After helping spearhead the creation of the Army ROTC program at Baylor University, he also served as one of their first Professors of Military Science. Tim was very proud of his military service, and was a true American patriot.

In Kaiserslautern, Germany, Tim met the love of his life—Sonja Giles. Sonja’s father was also in the Army and stationed at the same base. Their courtship led to marriage on June 26, 1983 in Boulder, Colorado. Their first child, Caleb was born in 1984, followed by daughter Chelsea in 1991. The family of four eventually settled in Waco, Texas to be nearer to family.

Tim and Sonja enjoyed many road trips–often on a large motorcycle, and their adventures, mishaps and recaps were always full of laughter! Never shy about tackling big projects, Tim and Sonja built their most recent home themselves (with help from family and friends) over a 3-year span, a dome home in Axtell they christened the “Shalom Dome,” where everyone was always welcome (and still is!). Animals (especially dogs) were an important part of Tim’s life, and he loved many through the years. He was an avid reader and movie buff as well, and his favorite book hands-down was his well-worn copy of the Bible. Tim was an active member of Gideons International in the Waco Camp for many years, and firmly believed Isaiah 55:11: “So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

Tim’s strong Christian beliefs led everything he did in life with integrity, and he shared his beliefs and love for Jesus with many—also sharing the Gospel overseas with a mission trip to Namibia, Africa. Tim was an encourager, the greatest fan and supporter for many. He was generous beyond belief. He loved deeply. He was like his Heavenly Father in all of these ways. He loved his Lord and looked forward to being in His presence, and his family has comfort knowing he is now at peace in glory with Jesus.

Those who will miss Tim daily are his wife, Sonja; daughter, Chelsea Marshall; son, Caleb (Rachel) Childress and grandson, Daniel. Also grieving Tim’s loss are his brothers, Woody (Kathy) Childress, Paul Childress, John Childress, and Tammy Childress; brothers-in-law, Stan Giles (Kim) and Gregg Giles (Eunice), in addition to many other family members and friends he loved dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gideons International to place “In Memory Cards honoring Tim Childress”. Please visit www.sendtheword.org and follow the steps to make a donation. Address memory cards to: Tim Childress  Memorial Fund, Antioch Community Church, 505 N. 20th Street, Waco, Tx 76707.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants. –Psalm 116:15

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. –Matthew 5:4

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