William B. Childs, Jr. February 14, 2026

William B. Childs, Jr., 64, affectionately known to friends and family as “Petey,” went home to be with the Lord on February 14, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with End-Stage Renal Disease.

Born in Anderson, SC in February 1961, Petey earned the rank of Eagle Scout in his youth. He attended Westside High School and graduated from Clemson University in 1983, remaining a passionate Clemson football fan throughout his life. Smart and diligent, he believed in hard work and always doing the right thing.

Professionally, colleagues knew him as “Bill” prior to his retirement in 2017. He built a distinguished career in textiles as a Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) and Certified Facilities Engineer. He worked for many years at Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands SC as Director of Risk Management, Safety and Maintenance, and was honored with several safety achievement awards at both the state and national levels. He took pride in working for a nonprofit organization and helping others.

Above all else, Petey was devoted to his family and deeply loved by them. He was a loving husband and caring father whose presence brought immense joy to their lives. He was known for his sense of humor, always equipped with a witty remark no matter the situation. He brought continuous laughter and light to those around him, even in days of poor health.

He will be profoundly missed by his beloved wife of 35 years, Ginger Childs, and three children; his son, Tyler Childs, Tyler’s fiancé Victoria and Tyler’s mother, Marsha Fisher; his son, Hunter Childs and Hunter’s fiancé, Jande; his daughter, Tessa Richey and Tessa’s husband, Ryan, who are expecting a baby boy in April, a grandson Petey greatly looked forward to meeting.

Petey is preceded in death by his loving parents and dear siblings, now reunited in Heaven; his mother, Bertha Childs (2021); his father, William Childs, Sr. (1991); his brother, Joe King (2016); and his sisters, Judy Bright (2019) and Candie Childs (2018).

Though we rejoice that he is now in the presence of the Lord and no longer suffering, his absence will leave a void in our lives that only the comfort of God’s grace can fill. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Service Information:

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM at Sosebee Mortuary, 3219 South Main Street, Anderson, SC 29624.

Sosebee Mortuary and Crematory is assisting the family.