Obituary of robert kennedy childs

Robert Kennedy Childs, 73, the son of James F. and Thelma K. Childs, was born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1949, in Lake Wales, Florida. He passed away Christmas Eve, December 24, 2022, in Pensacola, Florida. As a boy growing up in rural central Florida, he enjoyed time with family and friends, outdoor activities, listening to music, birdwatching, woodworking, and participating in church events. He became an Eagle Scout at the age of 15. He served six years in the Army National Guard. He married Gail in Lake Wales, Florida in 1975. His faith in God, love of his family, and being an Eagle Scout were very important to him. His gift of service to others is how he lived his life. He was patient, gentle, a good listener, quick-witted, always willing to help others, and shared a genuine smile. After graduating from Lake Wales High School in 1967 Robert earned three college science degrees: Polk Community (State) College graduating with honors (Winter Haven), Florida Institute of Technology in oceanographic engineering (Melbourne) and the University of West Florida in marine biology (Pensacola). Although unrelated to the marine sciences, Robert spent his 46-year career working as a medical laboratory scientist at Sacred Heart, Baptist, and Gulf Breeze Hospitals in the Pensacola area. Robert and Gail enjoyed life: living on a sailboat, and refurbishing a 28' sailboat in their front yard, He hiked on the Appalachian Trail, around Lake Okeechobee, and on parts of the Florida Trail. He enjoyed visiting relatives in North Carolina and Minnesota (where he once went dogsledding for a week). He canoed the Okefenokee Swamp and participated in an Audubon Christmas Bird Count in northern Minnesota with a temperature of -35 degrees. He loved all animals, especially cats and birds. His favorite hobby was woodworking, which he did most of his life beginning with building the Key Club trophy case in high school, making items as intricate as the butterfly cross, designing and building a camper to fit in the back of his truck, designing and building his 16' x 32' woodworking shop, and building cabinets. Robert volunteered his time and talents to groups at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Habitat for Humanity, and his Pine glades neighborhood. He designed and built the 2nd Little Free Library in Pensacola, which was the first one allowed on city property. In 2017, Robert and Gail moved to Azalea Trace in Pensacola. He continued helping residents and employees there with woodworking projects, volunteering on the recycling team, the Building and Grounds committee, and serving on the Resident Council. Robert leaves behind Gail Childs, the love of his life for 54 years and wife of 47 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James William Childs. He is also survived by a sister, Ann (Tom) McConnell; nephew, Evan (Elizabeth) McConnell and great nephew Ethan; niece, Caitlin (Joe) Craigle and great niece Cirilla; and his sister-in-law, Cindy Turner. The family would especially like to thank April, Roger, and Jennifer of Willow Brooke Court at Azalea Trace for their compassion and care when it was needed most. Donations in memory of Robert may be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church 3400 Bayou Blvd.