Ira "Ray" Childers

Ira “Ray” Childers, 69, of Port Charlotte passed away October 19, 2020. 

He was born December 6, 1950, in Paintsville, Kentucky to Marie and Frank Childers and raised in Columbus, Ohio. 

He began his career in insurance with Western-Southern before moving to Allstate Insurance.  He co-founded Childers Insurance Agency Inc. with his brother, Jerry, in Columbus Ohio. 

In 1989, he and his family moved from Columbus, Ohio to Port Charlotte.  He was employed by Allstate Insurance and later partnered with Tyler Ezzi.  He held numerous licenses and certifications.  He also taught Insurance License School in Buckingham.   

He served on several PTO and SAC boards for Myakka River Elementary School.  He is the past secretary of Punta Gorda Masonic Lodge.  He was the treasurer of Suncoast Baptist Church where he was a member.  He was an avid fisherman and thoroughly enjoyed boating and flats fishing.  He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves from 1970-1976. 

He is survived by his wife Alma of 50 years, children Michelle (Travis) Hanson and son James Michael Childers, grandchildren Madison, Makayla, Emma, and Jameson, sister Mary Deboard, and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Bonnie Etter and Betty Daye Steele, and brothers Jerry and Frank Childers. 

Visitation and celebration of life service will be held Wednesday, October 21, 5-8 pm at Johnson Taylor Funeral and Cremation. 

To express condolences to the family and share in celebrating the life of Ray, please visit www.JohnsonTaylorFuneral.com and sign the online guestbook.  Arrangements are by Johnson Taylor Funeral and Cremation.