Wilton James Childers

 Wilton James "Pop" Childers, 89, well known resident of the Benton County and Ashland Community and Korean War Army Veteran, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes Monday evening September 18, 2017 at his much loved home on the farmland that has been owned by the John Childers family for over 100 years.
  Funeral Services, with Military Honors, for Mr. Childers will be at 2 PM Friday September 22 in The Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home with Friendship United Methodist Church pastor, Bro. Daniel Rogers officiating assisted by longtime family friend, Bro. Dan Darling. Personal Reflections will be given by friends and family. Burial will follow in the Friendship United Methodist Church Cemetery.
  A native of Benton County, Mr. Childers was born September 6, 1928 to the late Marlin and Emma Lumpkin Childers, early residents of the Ashland area.
  He received his education in the Shady Grove School System located near the Tippah/Benton County Line and after serving in the U.S. Army was married March 11, 1949 to his beloved wife the former Johnnie Jeanes who preceded him in death on May 3, 2008.
  He moved with his family in 1951 to Memphis where he became an Independent Milk Distributor for the Dean's Food Company. He developed many friends and customers during his years as a milk distributor and returned to his "roots" in Benton County 37 years ago. Mr. Childers had a love for the family farm and took pride in growing and baling premium hay for show horses in the Mississippi and Tennessee areas.
  A person remembered for his strong work ethic and love for the rural way of life, Mr. Childers set a standard for his family that continues today.
  Affectionately known as "Pop" to many, he and his late wife were members of the Friendship United Methodist Church and they were both devoted to the restoration and upkeep of the Friendship Cemetery where many family members now rest in peace.
  Mr. Childers was an active member of the Ashland Civic Club and was a frequent visitor to the "local" coffee club at the Ashland Hardware Store.
  Visitation will continue Friday until service time at The Ripley Funeral Home.
  Those left to honor Pop's memory include a daughter, Kathy Mauney of Ashland, two sisters, Mamie Easley and Annie Vesper Webb, both of Olive Branch, three grandchildren, Michael McCallum (Missy), Kelley Crew and Katie Wilbanks (Craig), seven great grandchildren, Ashley Cochran (Bobby), Carley Hodges, Katelyn McCallum, Nolan Wilbanks (Megan), Ryan, Logan and Shaun Wilbanks and a great great granddaughter, Addison Jade Scroggins.
  He was also preceded in death by a son, Stanley Childers, five brothers and a great great granddaughter, Emma Grace Hamilton.

The Ripley Funeral Home is honored to serve the Childers family and invites you to sign the guestbook and share memories.