Gary Lee Childers
April 12, 1948 ~ October 29, 2025
Born in:
Buncombe Co., NC
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailGary Lee Childers, 77, of Candler, passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
A native of Buncombe Co., Gary was a son of the late Raymond Thomas and Elvira Gertrude Klein Childers.
Mr. Childers proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Later in life, he retired from his position as a judge for the North Carolina District Court system. He was a diehard Democrat and enjoyed cheering on the Tennessee Vols, Atlanta Braves and North Carolina Tar Heels. He will be remembered as a generous man to all and would do anything he could to help someone in need.
He is survived by his brother, Joe Childers, of Tennessee, and three godsons, William Chapman and wife Monica Chapman, James Chapman, and C.J. Chapman and wife Shanice Chapman. He is also survived by his adoptive family, Robert Chapman and William Jack Chapman, and longtime friend, Pat Crawford.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.
I totally agree. He loved talking and texting to friends and family. He sent me a text EVERY morning at 6am to say Good Morning.
I totally agree. He loved talking and texting to friends and family. He sent me a text EVERY morning at 6am to say Good Morning.
Gosh, I guess I thought I was the only one he texts every day! Lol Should’ve known better! Sure am gonna miss my text & staying up on current events! RIP Gary! Revonda, Tia & Amber
Gary has been a close family friend since the late 80’s. He worked along side my mother, the late Marie Penta as the Law Librarian, on the 10th floor of the Buncombe County Court House. He was also a close friend of my late father, John Penta. Gary and John shared their love of the Asheville Tourists, Atlanta Braves, NASCAR, NDRA drag racing and politics. Gary has literally seen me grow up all these years and has met my own family. In more recent years since my parents had passed, we have became close and talked politics everyday. We’ve also shared our birthdays a week apart.
I will miss our texts, calls and all the shared memories of nearly 4 decades. My deepest condolences to his family, extended family, god son’s & family and shared friends.
Pull some strings up there Gary!!