Lawrence Childress

Lawrence "Papa LuLu" Childress, 83 years of age, of Big Branch section of Oakwood, VA, passed away at his home on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. Born July 22, 1940, he was the son of the late Arnold and Beuna Ratliff Childress. Lawrence was a retired coal miner having worked for Jewell Smokeless Coal Company Mine #10 at Whitewood the majority of his career. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to his parents Arnold and Beuna Childress, he is preceded in death by one grandson David Arnold Childress, 3 sisters, and 2 brothers. Survivors include his wife of 61 years Ida Vandyke Childress of Oakwood, VA; children Tammy Vandyke and husband Scott of Abingdon, VA, Scottie Childress and wife Becky of Georgetown, KY, Becky Davis and husband Danny of Grundy, VA, and David Childress and wife Tammy of Raven, VA. He is also survived by six grandchildren Jarrod Vandyke of Abingdon, VA, Kevin Davis and wife Laken of Grundy, VA, Abby Looney and husband Cody of Grundy, VA, Matthew Childress and wife Corrina of Georgetown, KY, Johnnie Childress of Raven, VA, Amy Childress of Georgetown, KY; six great grandchildren Bailey and Oliver Looney of Grundy, VA, Aruthur and A.J. Childress of Georgetown, KY, and Brayleigh and Brayden Davis of Grundy, VA; two sisters and four brothers. Funeral services for Lawrence Childress will be held at Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Keen Mountain, VA, Friday, November 10, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. with Pastors Roger Keen and Rusty Owens officiating. Family and Friends wishing to attend graveside services for Lawrence are asked to meet at the Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home Chapel, Keen Mountain VA, on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 12:45 p.m. Burial will follow in the Clinch Valley Memorial Park, Richlands, VA. Pallbearers will be Johnnie Childress, Kevin Davis, Matthew Childress, Jarrod Vandyke, Cody Looney, Danny Davis, Scott Vandyke, Toby Edwards, Rick Honaker, and David Yates The family will receive friends Friday beginning at 6:00 p.m. until the funeral hour of 7:00 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to www.shortridgeramey.com.