Mervin "Mutt" Derl Childress Sr.

Mervin "Mutt" Derl Childress Sr, 84 of Atkins, went to be with the Lord Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home in Russellville, Arkansas.  He was born November 16, 1935 in Hattieville, Arkansas to Charles Washington Childress and Wilma Gladys Dixon. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Athlene Crites, Tom Childress, Charles Childress, Jean Wagner, Inez Pearson, Anna Jane Childress, Barbara "Bobbi" Sampley, Van Childress.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lola Childress; four children, Kay & Don Alexander of Clarksville, Pam and Bill Smith of Dover, Bubba Childress of Atkins, Kelly Childress of Russellville; six grandchildren, Leah & Jordan Rose, Jayme Childress, Jordan Childress,  Seth & Emily Alexander, Kelsey Peak, Hannah Ingold; ten great-grandchildren, Alex, Jake, Sadie, Riot, Olivia, Ashlynn, Paisley, Rhett, Leilani, Kailana; two brothers, Joe Childress, Atkins; Jerry Childress, Morrilton; several nieces, nephews and other family and friends. 

Mutt was a very hard worker.  He worked in Morrilton for several years before moving to Jefferson County where he became a cotton ginner.  He was one of a limited number of men who knew the art and mechanics of a cotton gin. After he retired, you could find Mutt drinking coffee with his friends or working in his garden. He loved spending time sharing stories and making people laugh. His grand kids were his pride and joy. Mutt was known for his big heart and contagious smile. 

His visitation will be 5 - 7pm Monday, December 9, 2019 at Russellville Family Funeral. The funeral service will be 2pm Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at Russellville Family Funeral with Brother Don Alexander and Brother Brian Ryals officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Atkins, AR. Arrangements are under the direction of Russellville Family Funeral. 

Pallbearers will be Roger Childress, Josh Childress, Gary Childress, Bob Copp, Sambo Childress, Terry Childress. 

Obituary and online guestbook are available at www.russellvillefamilyfuneral.com.