Posted on 03/31/2020
Michael Lawrence Childress (July 20, 1925 - March 25, 2020)
Lt. Cmdr Michael Lawrence Childress, USN (Ret.), 94, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, March 25th, 2020, with his daughter, Sherry, by his side. He was predeceased by his precious wife, Jean Cyphers Childress. He was also predeceased by his parents, Woody and Ora Childress of Baton Rouge, LA; his older sister, Ruth C. Murray of Baton Rouge, LA; younger brother, Robert W. Childress of Monroe, LA; and infant sister, Adelaide Ruth Childress.
Mike was born at home on July 20th, 1925 in Arcadia, LA. His family struggled, as many did during the depression. He was raised on Highland Road in Baton Rouge and attended Louisiana State University for one semester before joining the Marines at age 17. He completed boot camp and artillery school in San Diego. As a young Marine during WWII, while preparing for battle at Tarawa, Mike was invited to take an entrance exam for the Naval Academy at Annapolis. He graduated from the USNA in 1948. It was during this time that he met Jean Jacquelyn Cyphers, a student at Mary Washington College. Afraid he would lose this smart, talented and beautiful brunette, he broke the rules of both colleges and secretly eloped. They remained inseparable until her death, surpassing their 48th wedding anniversary.
During his career in the Navy he served as a line officer aboard many ships including the USS Cony, USS Shangrila and USS Kerstein. On May 26, 1954 Mike was aboard the USS Bennington when an explosion occurred, killing 100 men and injuring over 200. This tragedy and witnessing the death of so many close friends, had a profound, lifelong effect on him. He never took one moment of life for granted and never wasted a minute of time in negative thought.
Later, Mike earned his master’s degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and went on to become an assistant professor, teaching Naval Navigation on the same campus in Troy, NY. He was also stationed at Com Phiblant and was Protocol Officer when President John F. Kennedy came to visit the Norfolk Air Station in 1962.
Mike was a devoted husband and father and kept his family rooted in Norfolk for most of his career. They lived in North Camellia Acres on Pretty Lake where he created a backyard playground for his two daughters. He built a small, wooden power-boat, a miniature log cabin, a tree house, and hung multiple tree swings. There was a menagerie of dogs, cats, hamsters and other pets. That backyard was better than ANY amusement park or vacation destination!
Upon retiring from the Navy, Mike began his second career selling real estate in Hampton Roads. Tom Lawrence was his mentor and broker at Home Realty on Little Creek Road. Mike made the “Million Dollar Sales Club” for 3 consecutive years, a feat not easily achieved back in the 60’s. He later bought land and built the first home at Chick’s beach on the Chesapeake Bay. He taught himself, then both daughters, how to purchase foreclosed properties, renovate them, create value and provide a service.
Among his many real estate endeavors, his favorite was “Rainbow Forest” a log cabin he and Jean built on 50 tranquil acres in Pungo (Virginia Beach). They built the cabin from trees harvested from the property. It was a magical retreat for the entire family. He taught all his grandchildren to drive an old, pick-up truck on that farm. Many family gatherings occurred and memories were created there.
Mike was a member of Ruth Masonic Lodge Number 89. He was a Master Gardner and got immense pleasure while working in his green house and garden. He was active in the A.R.E. for many years, studying the philosophy of Edgar Cayce and The Course In Miracles. Monthly luncheons with his “Class of 48” Academy school-mates was an event that he enjoyed and attended regularly up until 2018. He was a lifelong member of Calvin Presbyterian Church, having taught Sunday school for many years and also served as a deacon and elder.
Mike would want to be remembered for his great sense of humor, his love of music and singing, his adoration of his family and his belief in the teachings of Jesus.
Left to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Bonnie Touchette and her husband, Dr. Leonard Touchette, of Woodbridge, VA and Sherry Uribe and her husband, Tom Uribe, of Virginia Beach; his five grandchildren: George T. Bowden, IV, Dr. David Touchette (Lauren), Leigh Anne Viemeister (Scott), Lindsay Touchette and Steven Touchette; and 5 great-grandchildren; also 4 beloved nephews, and numerous great nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private burial will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel, is handling services. Expressions of sympathy can be left at www.hollomon-brown.com.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to “Sheila’s Place”, a private residence Mike was blessed to call home in his final year. (4621 Valley Forge Lane, Virginia Beach. 23462).
Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Bayside Chapel
1457 Independence Blvd
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Phone: 757-464-6221
https://www.hollomon-brown.com/obituaries/Michael-Lawrence-Childress?obId=12533442