Category: 1964

Samuel Robert Childress, known to family and friends as Sam, passed away on August 30, 2026, in West Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 84.

He was born on June 1, 1942, in Hillsville, Virginia, and carried the values of his upbringing throughout his life. Sam was a man of remarkable intellect, quiet strength, and steady kindness. Those who knew him best will remember him as analytical in thought, intelligent in spirit, and gentle in manner. He lived with a calm presence that brought reassurance to others, and he approached life with both curiosity and humility.

Sam pursued his education with dedication and excellence. He attended Davidson College in North Carolina for his undergraduate studies before continuing on to Columbia University in New York, where he completed both his master’s degree and doctorate. His academic path reflected his deep commitment to learning and to the pursuit of knowledge. He valued education not only for what it provided him professionally, but also for the way it shaped his understanding of the world and the people in it.

His professional life was distinguished by his work as a scientist in high energy physics at Fermi Lab in Batavia, Illinois. In that role, Sam contributed to a field that sought to answer some of the most complex questions in science. He was respected for his thoughtful approach, his disciplined mind, and his ability to work with precision and care. His career stood as a testament to years of study, perseverance, and a genuine devotion to discovery. He took pride in his work, and those around him valued the insight and integrity he brought to it.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Sam found joy in traveling. He appreciated the experience of seeing new places, meeting new people, and broadening his perspective through the world around him. Travel gave him opportunities for reflection and discovery, and it remained one of the interests that enriched his life most meaningfully. Whether near or far from home, he carried with him a thoughtful appreciation for the beauty and diversity of life.

Sam is survived by his wife, Billie Childress, who shared in his life and stood beside him through the years. He is also survived by his brother, Conduff Childress Jr., and Conduff’s wife, Joyce. He was preceded in death by his parents, Conduff and Alice Childress, as well as by his brother, William. His family was an important part of his life, and the bonds he shared with them reflected the loyalty and love that defined him.

A life marked by intelligence, grace, and steady devotion leaves behind a lasting legacy. Sam’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him will remember his thoughtful presence and the dignity with which he lived. His memory will remain a source of comfort and inspiration to those who loved him.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

John Davidson Hall, affectionately known as Jack, passed away on June 23, 2026, in Houston, Texas. He is remembered with profound love and respect by his family, friends, colleagues, and all those who had the good fortune to know him.

Jack was a man of learning, curiosity, and dedication. He was born into the loving care of George Avery Hall and Louise Fortune Hall of Damascus, both of whom have preceded him in death. He is also predeceased by his sister Marilou Hall Preston. Jack’s enduring presence will be especially missed by his surviving sister, Eleanor Hall Hutton, and his brother-in-law, Bob Preston, who together cherished the deep familial bonds they shared.

Education was a defining force in Jack’s life, and he embraced every opportunity with remarkable vigor. Jack graduated from Damascus High School the same year that he completed his first year of studies at Emory & Henry College, a testament to his drive and intellect. With a continual thirst for knowledge, he graduated from Davidson College in 1964, being honored as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest academic honor society. Jack went on to further distinguish himself academically, earning three master’s degrees from Princeton, specializing in foreign language and linguistics. His commitment to scholarship was matched only by his passion for sharing it with others.

Jack devoted his professional life to education and service. He taught at the University of Virginia and in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, imparting knowledge, wisdom, and a love of learning to countless students. For over thirty years, he served the University of Houston Library, where his unwavering commitment left a lasting imprint on both colleagues and the institution itself. His brilliant mind brightened any classroom, lecture, or gathering, fostering an environment where curiosity and understanding could flourish.

Jack’s gifts extended well beyond his academic achievements. He was known for his jovial spirit and wonderful sense of humor. Quick to laughter, and always ready with a warm remark or thoughtful perspective, Jack had the rare ability to fit into any group—he truly had friends everywhere. His sense of adventure was infectious, as he spent an entire summer exploring Russia and lived for two years in Germany. Jack approached life with resolve and purpose, knowing exactly what he wanted to do and never shying away from pursuing his ambitions.

Though he has left us, the memory of John Davidson Hall—Jack to so many—remains an enduring source of comfort and inspiration. His legacy lives on in the minds he challenged, the hearts he touched, and the friendships that will persevere across time and distance. Jack will be dearly missed, but his spirit will continue to light the way for all who knew him.

Jere Norfleet McKeithen Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 19, 2026.

The McKeithen family name is woven into the history of Aberdeen. In youth, Jere attended Davidson College and St. Andrews University. Alongside his wife Mary, he later owned and operated Sandhill Builders Supply, a successful business they ran for two decades. Later, Jere devoted his time to managing real estate and caring for the family land he loved.

Above all else, Jere’s life was defined by his love for Mary. Their nearly 60-year marriage was the foundation of everything they built and an enduring romance. Together, they created a home filled with family, laughter, music and hospitality.

Jere’s interests were broad and hands-on. He enjoyed music, flying airplanes, collecting, fixing things, tending to his land, attending bluegrass festivals and jamming with friends. A jack-of-all-trades, he approached life with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Friends often described Jere as interesting, charismatic, and a bit eccentric in the best sense of the word. He had a mischievous streak, a devilish sense of humor, and a knack for finding amusement in life’s absurdities.

Jere enjoyed gathering with friends, sharing a good bourbon and welcoming others into his home. Whether hosting large celebrations or small gatherings, he believed life was best shared with family and friends.

Jere’s family included his beloved wife, Mary; his children, Jere III, Marcie, Christie and Catherine; his daughter-in-law, Heather; his granddaughters, Merrin and Alyse; and many extended family members and friends.

Those close to Jere knew a man who was intelligent, curious, independent and funny. His devotion to Mary, love for family, friends and unique way of looking at the world will be fondly remembered.

Luther Chase Williams III of Columbia, SC died on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the age of 82. Born in Lancaster, South Carolina, on July 10, 1943, he was the son of the late Susan Jones Connelly and Charles Kearns Connelly Jr. and the grandson of Ira Boyd Jones and Minnie Craig Jones.

Luther is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Griffith Williams; his daughter, Ashby Williams Lang of Houston, Texas, and her husband, David; his daughter, Katherine Williams Foo of Lancaster, South Carolina, and her husband, Jeff; and his son, Charles Peter Andrew Williams of Dallas, Texas, and his wife, Ashley. Also cherishing his memory are his grandchildren, Carolyn Susan Renshaw, William Jackson Lang, Andrew Chase Williams, Julia Carys Lang, Samuel Lee Foo, Riley Madison Williams, and Jonathan Craig Lang. He was preceded in death by his son, Ian Craig Griffith Williams. His beloved fur baby, Nola, also survives him. 

A devoted member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Columbia, South Carolina, Luther was formerly active at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he served on the vestry and as a Eucharistic minister and chalice bearer. He also served on the board of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. 

Education and medicine were lifelong passions. After graduating as valedictorian of Lancaster High School, Luther earned a Bachelor of Science degree in pre-medicine from Davidson College and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. His medical training included an internship, residency, and fellowship in pediatrics and pediatric cardiology at MUSC, followed by an additional fellowship in pediatric cardiology at the University of Virginia Hospital. 

Luther served as a pediatric cardiologist at the USAF Medical Center at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi before building a distinguished career in academic medicine and patient care. His appointments included clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at Tulane University School of Medicine, associate professor of clinical pediatrics at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, and professor of clinical pediatrics at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. In addition to teaching, he practiced pediatric cardiology at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans and at Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. 

A true Renaissance man, Luther’s curiosity and love of learning knew no bounds. As the owner of three harpsichords, including one he built himself, he spent countless hours playing and listening to classical music and sharing that passion with his children and grandchildren. After moving to Columbia, Luther took painting lessons, became an artist, and even hosted his own one-man show at the Lancaster County Arts Council. His vast knowledge of subjects, both practical and obscure, was never more on display than when he was beating his family and friends at Jeopardy and Trivial Pursuit.

Luther was known to his beloved grandchildren simply as “Pops”. He built strong bonds with all of them, and they will forever hold him close in their hearts. Whether it was playing board games or watching Seinfeld, he brought his full heart and attention to every gathering. 

Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 o’clock, Wednesday, June 3rd, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. The service for Dr. Williams will be held at 10 o’clock, on Thursday, June 4th, at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral with a reception to immediate follow in Satterlee Hall of the Church. A graveside service will follow at 2 o’clock, in Westside Cemetery, 314 W Barr St, Lancaster, SC 29720.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29201 or The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

The following obituary was written by John himself and shared at his request.

Dr. John Herman Wright passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026. I was born on July 29, 1942, in Tampa, Florida, to John Herman Wright and Dorothy Whitaker, who predeceased me. I was raised in Asheboro, North Carolina. I attended Davidson College and the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, completing training in General and Vascular Surgery, as well as Plastic and Hand Surgery. I practiced in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for 42 years.

I can only hope that I have helped a few people along the way. I feel that my accomplishments were few and shall go without enumeration.

I leave the love of my life and my best friend, Susan Diane Wright, whose spirit will remain a part of my soul. I leave to memory three children: Whitney Lewallen, Leslie Galloway, and John Douglas Wright; a stepson, Jordan Miller; a sister, Sarah Holland; five grandchildren; and two nieces.

At my request, there will be no memorial service.

“Home is the sailor, home from the sea.”

In memory of John, memorial contributions may be made to NC Transportation Museum