Sgt. Everett Jones "E.J." Childers

Retired Highway Patrol Sgt. Everett Jones “E.J.” Childers passed away at home on June 23, 2024. Everett was born on June 25, 1935, to Homer Robinette and Viola Harrington Childers in Taylorsville, NC. In 1953, Everett met the love of his life, Sara Sloop, at Landis Baptist Church. They married in 1954 and would have been married 70 years this December. He worked for Cannon Mills. He also worked part-time for Rufus Honeycutt at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home. Rufus arranged for him to meet with the highway patrol and Everett began his career with them in 1960. His first assignment was Gaston County. In 1964, he was assigned to Cabarrus County. He was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to Buncombe County. Later, he worked at Troop E Headquarters before being reassigned to Cabarrus.

During his career with the Highway Patrol, he was the first officer in Cabarrus County to be trained on radar, first to learn to operate the breathalyzer, first to become an EMT, and trained in other specialized areas. He also taught classes at the Institute of Government. He presented programs through the years at various church, schools, and civic events.  He also taught courses at the Institute of Government Highway Patrol Training Classes.

Upon retirement, he drove for several tour bus companies.  Later, he and Sara delivered school buses throughout the country, the farthest being Alaska.

Mr. Childers was a deacon and also sang in the choir for many years.  He was a member of Parkwood Baptist in Concord.  He also sang with the Piedmont Singing Men until he had to stop due to health reasons.

Everett and Sara also enjoyed traveling. They made many trips throughout the U. S. (including Hawaii) with their friends Larry and Pat Luther. They also traveled through the years with Jimmy and Becky Luther and Jim and Pat Childers.

Everett was preceded in death by his son, Randy Childers and grandson, Christopher Childers. He was also preceded in death by his parents and his brothers and sisters.

Everett is survived by his wife of 69 years, Sara Sloop Childers; his daughter,  Robbie Ruffin (Mike); sons Alan Childers and Todd Childers (Christina). He is survived by his grandchildren Jeremy, Lauren, Mark, Tori, Jessica, Zac, Andrew, Ashlyn, Rya, and Evie, and great-grandchildren Kherington, Adriel, Easton, Cora, Joanna, Brooks, and River. He is also survived by many dear family members and special friends.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 29, 2024 from 11:15 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Parkwood Baptist Church in Concord.  The service will immediately follow at the church at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Michael Waters officiating. Burial will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Parkwood Baptist Church or Samaritan’s Purse at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/memorial-giving/.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.