Robert Dillard Childress

Robert Dillard Childress, 71, of Roanoke, Va. passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024. He was born in Martinsville, Va. March 10, 1952 to the late Henry Edward Childress and Ingles Ford Childress.
He is survived by his brothers, John Ford Childress (Felecia) of Martinsville, Va. and Edward H. “Hank” Childress of New Orleans, La; nephews, Adam M. Childress and Ivan A. Childress, both of Richmond, Va. and Evan S. Childress of New York City.

Dillard graduated from Loyola University, in New Orleans, Louisiana with a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting. He worked for the ABC news affiliate in New Orleans for several years prior to returning to Virginia where he worked with WBRA public television and NBC news affiliate WSLS 10 in Roanoke, Va.

Dillard had a great passion for hiking the Appalachian Trail, where he enjoyed nature and took the time to plant hundreds of tree seedlings he would get from the U.S. Forestry Service. He took great pleasure in knowing he was doing something that other people could enjoy for many generations to come.

He also assisted wildlife officials by participating in the annual hawk migration count in the Blue Ridge Mountain area.

Dillard also enjoyed playing pool with many of his friends.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 15, 2024 at Oakwood Cemetery located at 107 Cemetery Street, Martinsville, Va., which will be officiated by the Reverend Dr. J.D. Harmon. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, 799 Washington Street, P.O. Box 807, Harpers Ferry WV 25425 or the Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68508.

McKee-Stone Funeral Home is serving the family.