MICHAEL DEAN CHILDRESS, 60 years of age of the Little Prater Section of Grundy, VA, passed away Monday, September 10, 2012 at the Buchanan General Hospital following an extended illness. Born in Buchanan County, he was the son of the late Cline and Clara Delores Riffe Childress. He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County and was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. Michael Dean was a 1970 Graduate of Grundy Senior High School and a Graduate of UVA Wise. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather and was a Former Employee of Buchanan County Animal Shelter. 

Mr. Childress is survived by his wife of 41-years, Sally Smith Childress, Little Prater, Grundy, VA, and his loving Father-in-Law: Frank Smith, Richlands, VA.,  1-Daughter: Jane and husband Jeff Lester, Grundy, VA., 1-Granddaughter: Jessica Looney, Grundy, VA., 1-Grandson: Cody Looney,  Grundy, VA., 1-Sister: Vickie Chilodress, Abingdon, VA.,  1-Niece:        Amelia Childress, 1-Nephew: Eric Cline and wife Sara Childress, Pikeville, KY.

Also, survived by several Aunts, Cousins and Friends.

He was preceded in death by his Mother-in-Law: Alberta Anderson Smith, and several Aunts and Uncles.

Funeral Services for MICHAEL DEAN CHILDRESS will be conducted Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Evg. William L. Neeley and Rev. James Chapman officiating with burial to follow in the Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock, VA.

Friends may call at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Wednesday evening at 6:00 P.M. with services at 7:00 P.M.

Active Pallbearers will be Roy Wright, Jeff Stiltner, Timmy Riffe, Johnny Looney, Cody Looney, Eric Childress, Dean Childress, Don Griffey, Ben Childress and Jeffrey Lester.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Ramon A. Motos, Members of Rescue 33, Tommy Holland, Donnie Ratliff, Randy Ratliff, Larry Riffe, Richard Ratliff, Johnny Ratliff, Junior Ratliff, Bobby Belcher and Jerry Branham.

Oneline condolences may be sent to the family at www.grundyfuneralhome.com.

Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy, Virginia is in charge of all arrangements.