William "Bill" Lawrence Childress, 70, passed away suddenly from an asthma attack at his Reading home on December 14, 2014.

Bill was born on June 14, 1944 in Rutland, VT to Everett and Marjorie Childress. He graduated from Rome Free Academy in 1962 and attended Clarkson University in New York, graduating with honors (class of 1966), where he earned a PhD in Synthetic Chemistry. While at Clarkson Bill was a member of the Triangle Fraternity and met his lifelong partner, Ellen Dorn.

Bill and Ellen married in 1971. Bill is survived by two children: Nona Jean Childress and Kyle Marvin Childress and his wife Kirara all of California. He is also survived by his brother Thomas Childress and his niece Catherine M. Childress both of Amherst. Bill and Ellen opened their home and hearts to foster a diverse population from many backgrounds. He will be deeply missed.

Bill lived in the Reading area with his family since 1971 and worked at the Food and Drug Administration until his retirement. A quiet, private man, Bill was a devoted husband and father who formed deep bonds with his pets. A former Master's Swimmer prizewinner, he loved sports and used his free time to referee youth hockey and coach youth soccer. He very much enjoyed the performing arts, nature, and sightseeing, and was actively involved in the local community, serving on the Reading Town Meeting and Conservation Commission. He enjoyed the opportunity to prepare and serve meals, regularly volunteering at My Brother's Table in Lynn, MA. He was also a member of the American Chemical Society, Northeast Bonsai Society, and Asperger's Association of New England.

A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church 239 Woburn St. Reading on Friday December 19 at 10:30am. Burial is private and there are no visiting hours. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Bill's memory to My Brother's Table 98 Willow St. Lynn, MA 01901 or Angell Animal Medical Clinic 350 S. Huntington Ave. Boston, MA 02130. Arrangements under the direction of the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, Reading. For on line guest book visit johnbdouglassfuneralhome.com