Woody Wesley Childers Sr.

Woodrow Wesley Childers Sr.

"Agent"

Woodrow "Woody" Wesley Childers Sr., age 87, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Sierra View Medical Center in Porterville, California, with family by his side. Woody was born August 2, 1937, in Chickasha, Oklahoma. He was the oldest of five siblings, born to Fred and Garnette (Warren) Childers and grew up in Springville, California. Woody attended Springville Elementary school, graduated in 1956 from Porterville Union High School and served in the National Guard Reserves after graduation.

In 1969 Woody married Carolynn Chandler and their union quickly produced a family of nine. Woody and Carolynn spent 56 beautiful years together sharing many memories.

Woody was well known in the Porterville community as owner/partner of Childers & Galbraith Insurance Agency located on Main Street. He worked in the insurance business for over 33 years until selling the agency to Buckman Mitchell in the mid-1990s, at which time he became a Correctional Officer and went to work for the California Department of Corrections (Delano).

Many people in the local community knew Woody for his love and involvement with racing (cars and motorcycles). Woody and other enthusiasts (Jim Esmay and Chuck Ledbetter) were instrumental in re-vitalizing Rocky Hill Speedway in the early 60's. Woody also started a Car Club for local teenagers and helped organize a legal drag racing venue at the Porterville Airport. Friends and family coined Woody with the nickname "Agent" which stuck with him for life, as did his passion for racing. One of Woody's greatest joys was motorcycle desert racing, a lifestyle he pursued well into his 60's.

Before and after his retirement as a correctional officer, Woody and Carolyn enjoyed traveling the US in their 5th Wheel Trailer and traveled full-time for 8 years. In addition to racing and traveling, Woody loved his grandkids, being a grandfather, the outdoors and working in the yard. He was witty, kindhearted, fair and meticulous in everything he did, often saying "If you're going to do something, do it right, or don't do it at all".

Woody is survived by his wife, Carolynn Childers, and his seven children: Woody Childers Jr. (Shelly), Deborah Chandler (Mark), Kari Oxford (Daniel), Darla Tunnell (Ken), Rick Childers (Lori), Jeff Chandler, and Bruce Childers (Dana). He leaves a family legacy of 13 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life and Reception will take place on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, 1:00 P.M., at the Tunnell residence: 15410 Ave 344, Visalia CA 93292.

To share a memory, or express condolences to the family, please visit the obituaries section of our website at www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries <http://www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries>. Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.