Eddie Charles Childers, age 77, of Norphlet, Arkansas passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer.

He was born on December 15, 1948 in Hampton, Arkansas to Garland Childers and Louise Oldham Childers Davis. His parents preceded him in death.

He graduated Hampton High School in 1967.

Childers is survived by his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 48 years, Linda Kay Smith Childers; one son, Clayton (Angie) Childers of Parkers Chapel; one daughter, Katrina Childers of Texarkana, TX; two grandchildren, Caleb and Aubrey Childers; three sisters, Evelyn (Farrell) Clark of Little Rock, Garlene Jones and Juanitz Childers of Hampton; one brother, Clifford (Robby) Childers of Hampton; brother-in-law, Rickey (Dottie) Smith of Hampton; and several nieces and nephews.

Childers was in the Army National Guard in Fordyce. He worked for the Fordyce Police Department, and the highlight of his career was arresting the Rolling Stones. He later drove a truck for Jimmy Martin Trucking. He retired from the Norphlet School District in 2014 as transportation director. After retirement he continued to help driving buses as needed. Along with his passion for driving a bus, he made sure his yard was well maintained.

Visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church, 2600 Parnell Road, El Dorado, AR 71730.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 19, at 2:00 p.m. at the Gethsemane Baptist Church with Rev. Rickey Smith and Rev. Joel Dillahunty officiating. Burial was in Ricks Cemetery at Harrell, Arkansas.

Donations may be given in memory of Childers to: Ricks Cemetery, c/o Rickey Smith, P.O. Box 1182, Hampton, AR 71744.

Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce was in charge of arrangements. To sign the online register, visit http://www.bentonfuneralhome.net.