John Alan Childers, age 74, of Paris, Tennessee, passed away on February 27, 2026.
Born in Highland Park, Michigan, December 29, 1951, John was the 4th child, and quite the surprise addition to the family. John was a man of deep and abiding faith, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His life was a quiet but powerful witness to Christian values—marked by patience, humility, and unwavering trust in God. He faithfully passed on a strong spiritual foundation to his three children, three step-children, and 19 grand-children (16 boys!) not only through his words, but through the steady example of a life well lived in faith.
For twenty-five years, he was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Lisa. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and perseverance. He was also a dedicated and caring stepfather to Cathy, Hunter, and Ben, embracing his role with love.
He was truly made for the role of grandfather. He loved attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events and cherished simple, joy-filled moments—taking them fishing and golfing, building Lego creations, playing Wii, and pulling them across Kentucky Lake on skis and tubes. His presence in their lives was a gift that will not be forgotten.
He spent the majority of his professional career at DPC, Inc. in Paris, Tennessee, where he worked for 25 years as computer systems analyst and programmer. In 2003, he retired and began a second career alongside his wife, founding J & L Sales and Rentals, LLC, a portable storage building rent-to-own business that continues to thrive today. His work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit left a lasting legacy, even inspiring his daughter, Kate, to open her own law firm focused on the rent-to-own industry.
A “gentle warrior,” he courageously battled GPA (Granulomatosis with polyangiitis) disease, a rare autoimmune illness, for thirty-one years. Though the treatments that sustained his life also brought significant health challenges—including heart disease, kidney disease, and cancer—he endured them with quiet strength. While he often felt the weight of these burdens, he never complained. Instead, he accepted his circumstances with grace, placing his trust in God and surrendering to His will. His strength throughout his health battles was inspiring to many, especially his family.
He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: golfing with friends, watching University of Tennessee football, fishing in quiet ponds and on the open sea aboard Heavy Action, his son-in-law’s fishing boat, spending time with his beloved dog, Millie, and enjoying peaceful evenings at home with Lisa.
A devoted Christian, he worshiped for many years at Holy Cross Catholic Church, New Hope Baptist Church and most recently at Maplewood Baptist Church, where he was an active volunteer and especially enjoyed the monthly Men’s Breakfast.
From 1970-1976 he served in the Army National Guard. For over 40 years, he was also a member of the Lakeway Kiwanis Club for over 40 years, where he was especially known for his dedicated work in the kitchen at the annual Mexican Dinner fundraiser.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa Childers; his sister, Shirley Lewandowski; his children, Kate (Ken) Rhodes, Amy (Gary) Mitchell, John Paul (Ashley) Childers; his step-children, Cathy (Ronnie) Robbins, Ben (Arianna) Enoch, Hunter (Elise) Enoch; his grandchildren, John Michael Rhodes, Landon Rhodes, Drew Meketi, Brady Mitchell, Grayson Mitchell, Rylan Mitchell, Wyatt Mitchell, Landen Novak, Kyson Novak, Preston Novak, Abigail Anne Childers, John Jacob Childers, Blake (Samantha) Robbins, Blair (Gabriella Statile) Robbins, Jameson Robbins, Sofia Enoch, Thomas Enoch, Abby Enoch, and Bill Enoch; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Era Childers, his sister, Patricia Bobb Young, and his brother, William Carl Childers.
Those who wish to honor his memory may consider donations to Maplewood Baptist Church in support of Operation Christmas Child.
Visitation will be at Ridgeway Funeral Home on Monday, March 2, 2026 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Maplewood Baptist Church, 8700 Highway 218 Bypass, Paris, TN 38242. His funeral service will be at Maplewood Baptist Church on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 2 p.m.
Burial will follow at Puryear City Cemetery in Puryear, TN.