William Childers

? Bluefield, WV- William "Bill" Childers, age 70, of Rocky Gap, VA, went to be with his Savior on Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center after a courageous and unrelenting battle with cancer.? He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity and good works, spreading joy and laughter where he went.? He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him.? Bill was an avid horseman and nature lover, and leaves behind a host of horse riding buddies and good memories.? ??? He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Louise Childers of Beckley, WV; a brother, Wayne Childers, a beloved step-grandson, Aaron Wright of Bland, VA. ???? He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Maxine Jackson Childers of Rocky Gap; two step-daughters and families, Lauri Bowling and husband Terry of Bland, VA, their children Nathan and Bethany; Sheri Wright and husband Martin of Bland, VA, their children Heather and Stephanie.? His ex-wife, Pauline Childers of Bluefield, WV; three sons, Tim of Bluefield, WV, Paul and his wife Sabrina of Atlanta, GA; Mark and his wife Mary Beth of Roanoke, VA, their children, Andy and Jordan; three brothers, Jerry Childers and family of Princeton, WV, Roger Childers and family of Princeton, WV, Dr. Steven Childers and family of Huntington, WV; one sister, Elizabeth "Libby" Masterson and family of Frankford, WV.? He was adored by many nieces and nephews. ??? Bill was a member of the Princeton Salvation Army Church; Princeton Community Hospital Senior Friends Program; Bluefield Moose Lodge. He was retired from Andy Clark Mobile Homes, but was busier after retirement than before.? He greatly enjoyed driving the buses and medical vans for Bluefield Transit, Bland County School activity buses, and volunteering at the Salvation Army.? ???? In death, as in life, Bill continues to give and as per his wishes his body has been donated to the WV School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, WV for science research.? A memorial service will be held on Saturday January 12, 2008 at Mercer Funeral Home, Bluefield, WV, Route 460 and Maryland Avenue, at 1:00 p.m. for visitation and service at 2:00 p.m. by Captain Burl LaBatte of Princeton Salvation Army Captain Corps.? A family dinner will be hosted by the Salvation Army Women's league in Princeton at 4:00 p.m. ? ???In lieu of flowers, Bill requested that donations be made to the Salvation Army Corps, 300 Princeton Avenue, Princeton, WV 24740. ???? Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting http://www.mercerfuneralhome.com/???? Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Childers family.?