Donnie Wayne Childress, 74, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Born and raised in Hampton, Virginia, Donnie remained a lifelong resident of the community he loved. Before his retirement, he dedicated many years of service working as a maintenance engineer. Donnie found joy in life’s simple pleasures — tending to his garden, gathering around bonfires, and taking rides on his golf cart. Wherever he went, he was often considered the life of the party, bringing laughter and good times to those around him.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper and Shirley Grace Childress. He leaves to cherish his memory, daughters, Kristy Childress and Dianna Rodriguez; sisters, Connie Thompson (Junior) and Sherion Campbell (Billy); brother, Jay Childress; granddaughters, Grace and Lucy Bridges; 2 nieces; 3 nephews; best friend, Roland; and his faithful cat, Callie.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 PM on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, 245 South Armistead Avenue, Hampton.