Tommy Lee Childress, 79 of Big Lake, Texas passed away on July 12, 2022, at his home in Big Lake. Tommy was born in Kingsville, Texas to Johnnie and Ruby Childress on April 18, 1943, on the King Ranch. Tommy was raised on the family farm in North Reagan County and attended Reagan County High School and graduated in 1961. Tommy attended college at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene and then worked on the Scott Ranch as a cowboy.
Tommy enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in January 1966. He served in Vietnam in the 5th Marine Division earning multiple medals including the Presidential Unit Citation. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps with the rank of Sergeant in 1968.
Tommy returned home and worked as a cowboy and leased his own land to raise his own livestock. Tommy then worked in the oil field working his way to a drilling consultant and ultimately retired in 2016. Tommy married Marcella Childress on October 30, 1999, in Big Lake and they made their home on the Childress Ranch just outside of Big Lake. Tommy enjoyed roping in his early years and working cattle, hunting, and fishing passing this down to his children and grandchildren.
Tommy is preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Ruby Childress, his sons Cody Childress, Toby Childress, and Tommy (TJ) Childress Jr. Tommy is survived by his wife Marcella, his sons Jason Hester and wife Denise of Lago Vista, Wes Hester and wife Shea of May, daughter Sondra Dittman and husband Steven of Big Spring. Grandchildren Zach Childress and wife Jami of Abilene, Tyler Childress, Jacob Hester, Jaden Hester, Gavin Hester, Hagan Hester, Seth Hester, Brody Stice, JW Hester, great grandson Zane Childress and numerous family and friends throughout the community. Tommy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
Graveside services were held on Friday July 15, 2022, at Glennrest Cemetery in Big Lake at 10:00am. The family requests that in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to Wounded Warrior Project, Tunnel to Towers, or your favorite charity.
