Maynard Levi Childers,

Maynard Levi Childers, age 80, of Taylorsville, passed away on Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011 at The Villages of Wilkes after a period of declining health.  He was born on June 14th, 1930 in Alexander County, the son of the late Ransom and Bonnie Daniels Childers.  He was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church where he served as a deacon since 1970.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in active duty during the Korean conflict.  He was retired from Gulf States Paper Corp. in Conover, where he worked for 34 years.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Odell Childers.  Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Marie Deal Childers of the home; son, Steve E. Childers of Moravian Falls; daughter, Sandra Lowrance & husband Charles, also of Moravian Falls; 2 grandchildren: Eric Kerley & wife Genia of Troutman, & Amy K. Copeland & husband Ben of Hickory; 3 great-grandchildren: Drake, Ciara & Jett Kerley – also of Troutman; 3 sisters-in-law: Graceteen Childers, Elline Lackey, & Vivian Davis & husband Larry – all of Taylorsville.  He is also survived by 6 nephews: Archie Childers, Dennis, Kevin, & Dean Lackey, Michael & Brent Davis; and also 2 nieces: Debbie Shew & Maria Pardue.  The family will receive friends at Alexander Funeral Service on Thursday, March 24th, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral Service on Friday, March 25th, at 3:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive Baptist Church where Rev. Doug Foster & Rev. Monty Mathis will officiate.  Burial to follow in the church cemetery.  Military rites will be provided by VFW Post 10,000 & Taylorsville Post 5466.  Gaither Stikeleather, Archie Childers, Terry Bentley, Brent Davis, Kevin Lackey, and Dean Lackey will serve as pallbearers, with Jerry Call, Wade Fortner, Larry Herman, and Gary Kerley serving as honoraries.  Memorials may be made to Mt. Olive Baptist Church @ 48 Old Hwy 16 Ext, Taylorsville 28681.  The family would like to thank all those who have offered their expressions of love, prayers, and their continuing support.  Alexander Funeral Service has been entrusted with arrangements.