Don Childers

May 10, 1934 – March 26, 2026

Gaffney, SC - - Ralph Donald "Don" Childers, 91, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Palmetto Patriots Home.

Born in Gaffney, he was the husband of Norma Whelchel Childers and son of the late R. D. Childers and Eula Spencer Childers.  Don served as a Fireman E-3 in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Saint Paul during the Korean War.  He retired as Plant Engineer with Alcoa.  Don was a Christian who served as Deacon, Prayer Director, Brotherhood Director, Sunday School Teacher and Delegate to various Church Conferences for various Baptist churches over the years.  Don was a prayer warrior who also served on various mission trips.  He was a member of Love Springs Baptist Church.  After retiring, he became an avid golfer and was a member of Cherokee National Golf & Recreational Club.  He spent the last two years of his life as a resident of Palmetto Patriots Home.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Palmetto Patriots Home in Gaffney with Chaplain Wilbert Jamison officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 1886, Gaffney, SC 29342 or Palmetto Patriots Home, 120 Hampshire Drive, Gaffney, SC 29341.

The family will be at their respective homes.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com

Blakely Funeral Home & Crematory, Gaffney, SC