Billy "Bill" E. Childers

William E. “Bill” Childers joined his Savior on Tuesday May 2, 2023, after a 30-year battle with ALS. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, respected businessman, and a Christian. Born on November 10, 1934 to Dixie and Arnold Childers in Chapman, Kentucky, Bill’s formative years were spent quite simply in the hills of Louisa, Kentucky with brothers, Arnold Jr. and Clyde, and a sister Avonell, all of whom he loved dearly. He attended high school in Urbana, Ohio where as a star athlete he excelled in track, basketball and football. He accomplished this despite having lost sight in one eye in a childhood accident. Bill went on to attend college on a football scholarship at Morris Harvey University, playing in the Cigar Bowl in Tampa, FL. After transferring to Kent State, Bill ultimately joined the Seminole Nation at his beloved Florida State University. Yearning to play ball again, he was “encouraged” by nationally known athletic trainer Don Fauls to give up football rather than risk losing or damaging his healthy eye. While at FSU, Bill gained many lifelong friends and met his wife, Mary Noel Childers, with whom he started his family and planted deep and lasting roots in Tallahassee, FL. After graduating from the FSU College of Business, Bill worked as a bank examiner with the State of Florida. He then took a job with Lee Homes Construction, where he discovered his passion for construction. In 1964 he took a leap of faith and started Childers Construction Company. The early years proved difficult for Bill and his family. Only with relentless determination, hard work, a never give up attitude, and the great work of his loyal and dedicated staff, was he able to overcome those challenges and succeed. Bill’s personality was another key to his success. He was charming, honest and caring. His humor and quick wit were legendary. He was most proud that the company he built allowed him to give back to the community he loved so much. Bill loved, admired, and respected all the folks he worked with through the years, but his true love was his family. Bill never missed a game or event of his sons, Joe and Sam, and his grandchildren later as he was able. He was proud to be a founding member of the Tallahassee Quarterback Club, Tallahassee First Bank, a member of the Tallahassee Touchdown Club, an FSU Booster and supporter of various charities in his local community. When down on your luck, Bill was there to pick you up. He was the true definition of “giving someone the shirt off of his back.” He will be remembered for his quick wit, ability to work a room, and his hysterical personality that made friends and strangers smile and laugh. Most of all, he will be remembered for the love he had for his family. Bill is survived by his sons, Joe Childers (Jill), and Sam Childers, Daughter-in-law, Vickie Childers, his grandchildren, Adam Childers (Annie), Kaitlyn Griffin (James), Sara Noel Proctor (Corbett), Miles Childers (Emily), Jacob Bozeman, Lucas Bozeman, Ramona Paige, eight great-grandchildren, nephew, Clyde Childers (Debbie), niece, Frances Kincer (David) & cousins. The family would like to especially thank Sharon and Jimmy Elsberry for their constant love, support & care for Bill over the years. A Memorial Service will be held at Florida State University’s Dunlap Champions Club ballroom third-floor on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 3:00 pm with a reception on the sixth-floor terrace to follow, coats & ties are optional, workplace attire is acceptable. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The ALS Association, or The Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare Foundation. We also ask that you honor his memory by quietly helping a friend or stranger when they are in a time of need, giving someone “the shirt off your back,” loving your family without bounds, and being a source of laughter whenever you have the chance. Rocky Bevis and Todd Wahlquist are assisting the Childers family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).

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Billy "Bill" E. Childers

November 10, 1934 - May 2, 2023