Richard Alexander Childress, Sr.

Richard “Dick” Alexander Childress, Sr.

Richard “Dick” Alexander Childress, age 78, a lifelong resident of Foley, Alabama, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Alfred C. Childress and Louise H. Childress; and his brother, Thomas “Tommy” H. Childress.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Dewannah K. Childress; his son, Richard A. Childress, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth B. Childress; grandchildren, Katherine “Katie” L. Childress and Drew A. Childress; sisters, Alice C.. Taylor and Ruth “Freda” Alfreda Childress; as well as other relatives and many dear friends.

Dick was born on December 20, 1947, in Dr. Holmes’ office in downtown Foley. A lifelong member of the Foley community, he attended Foley schools and later attended Faulkner State Junior College, where he met his future wife, Dewannah.

While attending college in 1969, Dick enlisted in the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was then stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he completed meteorology training and became a Special Operations Meteorologist. He served in Vietnam before returning home and enrolling at the University of South Alabama to pursue a degree in business. During this time, he also worked toward earning his pilot’s license and associated certifications.

As the needs of his growing family increased, Dick began working at Vulcan Signs in Foley after approximately two years of college. He went on to spend 41 years with the company, contributing greatly to its success before retiring.

Dick’s interests and hobbies reflected his adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, Boy Scouts, and spending time with his 1980 CJ7 Jeep. In 1969, he won first place in the shark category at the Dauphin Island Fishing Rodeo.  He spent many years giving back to the youth of Foley as a Scoutmaster in Boy Scout Troop 77.

Dick was a founding member of Gulf Shores United Methodist Church, where his faith and community remained important parts of his life.

Above all, Dick will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and proud member of the Foley community. His family and friends will cherish the memories of his adventurous spirit, his dedication to those he loved, and the many ways he gave of himself throughout his life.