Robert "Bob" Walter Childress (January 19, 1889[1] or January 19, 1890[2] – January 16, 1956)[1] was a Presbyterian minister who was born in "The Hollow," now Ararat, Virginia, and grew up surrounded by the Primitive Baptist tradition. He became known throughout the Southern Appalachian region for his work to transform the region's culture of violence and promote basic education. He was also the founder of the famous "Rock Churches" of Floyd, Patrick and Carroll counties in Virginia.[3]