Funeral Expenses for William Childs
Donation protected
It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of William Earl Childs. William was a beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend to so many. This fundraiser will serve to help cover funeral, crematory, and medical expenses. We are left with countless memories that bring us great joy and comfort during this difficult time.
William Earl Childs, and at times affectionately referred to as “Billy” was born December 4, 1949 in Harlem, New York to the union of Earl and Claudia Childs. William was the fourth oldest of seven children from this union. He was raised as part of a large extended family, where his legendary childhood home in Jamaica, Queens became the hub for gatherings; eliciting laughter, mischief, and enduring love throughout the years.
Growing up in the heart of New York, William found a passion for athletics and gained the reputation as a track & field star at Jamaica High School. He wore his letterman jacket proudly and often bragged about his experience training with fellow teammate Bob Beaman, who went on to become an Olympic athlete. In addition to his track & field success, William also practiced dance at the LaRocque Bey School of Dance along with his siblings. He was one of the advanced dancers who had the opportunity to headline shows featuring his skills in ballet, tap, and interpretative dance.
When he wasn’t showing off his athletic superiority, he was getting into mischief with his siblings. From practicing his BB gun skills on everything that was in his line of sight, to showcasing his big brother heroism by rescuing a stolen marble for his kid brother, to forcing his siblings to yell out embarrassing things about themselves in public, like “My face looks like a Baboon’s behind”. William was the type of person who chose to push boundaries, he was playful, and approached life with a family first mentality.
During the turbulent times of the 1960s-1970s, William joined the Black Panthers Party as a young adult. Being a member of the party enlightened him, encouraging William to be a part of radical change and gave him a sense of pride as a Black man. William called upon these lessons throughout his life, from navigating the college and career landscape as one of the few Black men present, to his time as a father, allowing him to instill these values into his children.
William believed in and valued education, earning a BS and MA in Business Administration from New Hampshire College, and was the first in his family to attend and graduate college. He built his career in financial services, focusing within the construction industry. Oftentimes, William found himself as the only Black face in a company, compelling him to become skilled in networking in order to build his social circle and achieve ambitious career goals. Early in his career journey, William relocated to Chicago, IL. As a proclaimed “city boy” he had no trouble settling into the new city, eventually considering it a second home. He was fulfilled with his career accomplishments and the paths he was able to create by becoming the first Black Executive and CFO at different companies throughout his lifetime.
Although William had a rich career, his time spent as a father was what he’d claim he was most proud of within his life. William was a dedicated and loving father who always showed up for his kids, the first “helicopter” parent if you will. He could be found coaching his children’s sports teams, sitting in theaters with flowers, helping with homework, telling stories, making jokes, and teaching life lessons. His deepest desire was his kid’s happiness and he worked hard to help them achieve their life goals.
Throughout his life, William’s love for jazz and sports was a constant. He was often found in front of the TV watching his beloved teams play or outside sitting in a breeze, smoking a cigar while listening to his favorite jazz musicians. William’s life was well lived and loved, a life that will be truly missed but kept alive through stories and memories.
William is preceded in death by his father and mother, Earl and Claudia Childs and sister Christine Benion.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Childs; his children Melissa Patton (Stanley), Courtney Henderson (Steven), Christopher “Chris” Childs (Tiffany), Johnelle Childs, Davis Johnson (Dr. Margaux Chan); his siblings Harriet Neal, Diane Harrell-Childs, Janey Findlay-Childs, Robin Alexander-Childs, Earl Childs; his grandchildren Micah Patton, Mason Patton, Chloe Childs, Elijah Childs; his many nieces and nephews; and a host of family members and friends, all of whom he loved dearly.
William Earl Childs, and at times affectionately referred to as “Billy” was born December 4, 1949 in Harlem, New York to the union of Earl and Claudia Childs. William was the fourth oldest of seven children from this union. He was raised as part of a large extended family, where his legendary childhood home in Jamaica, Queens became the hub for gatherings; eliciting laughter, mischief, and enduring love throughout the years.
Growing up in the heart of New York, William found a passion for athletics and gained the reputation as a track & field star at Jamaica High School. He wore his letterman jacket proudly and often bragged about his experience training with fellow teammate Bob Beaman, who went on to become an Olympic athlete. In addition to his track & field success, William also practiced dance at the LaRocque Bey School of Dance along with his siblings. He was one of the advanced dancers who had the opportunity to headline shows featuring his skills in ballet, tap, and interpretative dance.
When he wasn’t showing off his athletic superiority, he was getting into mischief with his siblings. From practicing his BB gun skills on everything that was in his line of sight, to showcasing his big brother heroism by rescuing a stolen marble for his kid brother, to forcing his siblings to yell out embarrassing things about themselves in public, like “My face looks like a Baboon’s behind”. William was the type of person who chose to push boundaries, he was playful, and approached life with a family first mentality.
During the turbulent times of the 1960s-1970s, William joined the Black Panthers Party as a young adult. Being a member of the party enlightened him, encouraging William to be a part of radical change and gave him a sense of pride as a Black man. William called upon these lessons throughout his life, from navigating the college and career landscape as one of the few Black men present, to his time as a father, allowing him to instill these values into his children.
William believed in and valued education, earning a BS and MA in Business Administration from New Hampshire College, and was the first in his family to attend and graduate college. He built his career in financial services, focusing within the construction industry. Oftentimes, William found himself as the only Black face in a company, compelling him to become skilled in networking in order to build his social circle and achieve ambitious career goals. Early in his career journey, William relocated to Chicago, IL. As a proclaimed “city boy” he had no trouble settling into the new city, eventually considering it a second home. He was fulfilled with his career accomplishments and the paths he was able to create by becoming the first Black Executive and CFO at different companies throughout his lifetime.
Although William had a rich career, his time spent as a father was what he’d claim he was most proud of within his life. William was a dedicated and loving father who always showed up for his kids, the first “helicopter” parent if you will. He could be found coaching his children’s sports teams, sitting in theaters with flowers, helping with homework, telling stories, making jokes, and teaching life lessons. His deepest desire was his kid’s happiness and he worked hard to help them achieve their life goals.
Throughout his life, William’s love for jazz and sports was a constant. He was often found in front of the TV watching his beloved teams play or outside sitting in a breeze, smoking a cigar while listening to his favorite jazz musicians. William’s life was well lived and loved, a life that will be truly missed but kept alive through stories and memories.
William is preceded in death by his father and mother, Earl and Claudia Childs and sister Christine Benion.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Childs; his children Melissa Patton (Stanley), Courtney Henderson (Steven), Christopher “Chris” Childs (Tiffany), Johnelle Childs, Davis Johnson (Dr. Margaux Chan); his siblings Harriet Neal, Diane Harrell-Childs, Janey Findlay-Childs, Robin Alexander-Childs, Earl Childs; his grandchildren Micah Patton, Mason Patton, Chloe Childs, Elijah Childs; his many nieces and nephews; and a host of family members and friends, all of whom he loved dearly.
Fundraising team (2)
Christopher Childs
Organizer
Cocoa, FL
Courtney Henderson
Team member