Billy W. Childress

Billy W. Childress, 89, passed away on March 15, 2026, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Born on May 21, 1936, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Billy was the son of Clyde and Cora Childress. He later made Fort Pierce his home and became a well-known and respected member of the community.

Billy graduated from Dan McCarty High School, Class of 1955, where he was voted “Most Athletic” and earned recognition as a High School All-American athlete. He proudly served his country as a drill instructor in the United States Marine Corps. A passionate sports enthusiast, Billy dedicated much of his life to coaching and mentoring local youth. He coached Babe Ruth baseball, Pop Warner football, and basketball at John Carroll High School, while also volunteering with Fort Pierce Little League football and baseball programs. His impact on athletics and the community earned him induction into the St. Lucie County Hall of Fame.

Billy was also well known throughout Fort Pierce for umpiring baseball games, where his signature call of “Striiiike!” could often be heard across town. Locals instantly recognized his unmistakable voice, and to this day many still share memories with the family of hearing his loud, drawn-out strike call echo across the ball field. It became one of the many things people fondly remembered and loved about him.

Billy will be remembered for his love of sports, his commitment to helping young athletes, and the lasting influence he had on countless lives throughout the years.

Survivors include his daughters, Diana Childress of Port St. Lucie, Florida, and Frances Childress of Pennsylvania; brother, Ron (Wanda) Childress of Peachtree, Georgia; grandchildren, Stacy (Joe) Annone, Tracy (Eddie) Tassone, both of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Jacob (Michelle) Childress of New York, Amy (Daniel) Jensen of Missouri, and Ben Marocchi of New York; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pauline Childress; son, Billy Wayne Childress, Jr.; father, Clyde Childress; mother, Cora Childress; and stepmother, Frances Childress.

Services will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Orange Avenue Baptist Church located at 100 Cyclone Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34945 with Pastor and cousin, Larry Ivey, officiating from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A graveside service will immediately follow at Riverview Memorial Park. Family and friends are then invited to return to the church for light refreshments and beverages.