Chilton "Chic" Childs

Chilton “Chic” Childs, Sr., passed away March 7, 2021. He was born on 22 June 1938, to Reece Chilton Childs and Laura Haney in Calorie, West Virginia. The family later moved to Oliver Springs, Tennessee.

Chic overcame a difficult childhood through hard work and perseverance. He joined the U. S. Army at a young age where he served as a Track Vehicle Mechanic for over 9 years. Chic spent the entirety of his enlistment in Germany at Grafenwohr Post, Grafenwohr and Camp Pieri, Wiesbaden. He truly enjoyed his time in Europe with his young family. He loved serving his country and often said it was what helped to shape his life. It certainly showed in his family values and business work ethic. He was a hardworking man that never stood down from a challenge.

Chic was a successful businessman and owned several companies throughout his working life. His first business was Trader Chic’s Mobile Home Service in the 1970’s in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was well-known in the local mobile home industry and the only person they would call when they had that one tough delivery and installation on the side of a curvy mountain road that no other driver would touch. In the 1990’s, he started Childs Freight Company in Maylene, Alabama and drove his 18-Wheeler big rig cross-country, an occupation that he dearly loved.

Chic was an inspiration to all, especially his family. He was nothing short of superman to his kids and grandkids growing up. He had them believing he could do just about anything, which oddly enough, he could. Chic “never met a stranger” and everyone knew “Chic”. He was the one to call when in need, he would do anything to help anyone, but he wasn’t one to just give hand-outs. He had “old school” values, so you had better be prepared to help yourself! Especially if you were family.

Chic was a long-time member of Community Baptist Church in Maylene, Alabama, the only church he ever attended. The church was just next door, so he and Nicole would walk to service on Sundays when 80 worshippers was a large gathering for the church. Chic served as Deacon for many years and although he felt humbled by the honor, he felt yet not worthy of it either. He cherished his church community and was instrumental in the growth seen today in Community Baptist Church. He also loved his church family and was there any time the doors where open, until he was physically unable to attend later in his life. He served on many committees throughout his membership and made himself available whenever his church family called upon him.

He and Mrs. Mattie supported “Campers on Mission” for many years and made numerous trips to Louisiana to work in the Mission Camp sites. This was something they genuinely enjoyed and always had a great time of work and fellowship.

Chic took pride in all he attempted, and it reflected throughout his life. Chic was a well-known and highly respected member of his community. His outlook on life was “Do your best” and “If a job is worth doing, do it right and be done with it”.

Chic is preceded in death by his second wife, Katy Lee Childs; son and daughter- law Chilton Childs Jr. and Roberta “Princess” Childs; parents, Reece Chilton Childs and Laura Haney.

Chic is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 13 years Mattie Childs; Children: Charles Edward Childs (Debbie), Karen Kirby Arnold (Bret), Ronald Neil Kirby. Grandchildren: Nicole Kirby Crowe (Michael), Rachel Moody (Robert); Robert Childs (Fallon), Corey Childs and Brandy Knox. Great-Grandchildren: Mikayla Crowe, Micah Rayne Crowe, Emma Kate Moody, Adelynn Grace Moody, Aslyn Knox, Ila Princess Childs and Nox Michael Childs; Son-in-law, David Calton (Melissa), their children, Jeremy Calton, Lori Calton Andrew, and Ashley Calton Johnston, who provided so much loving care to Chic in the last year of his life and in his final moments on this earth. Their grandchildren; Tori Kuehn, Alayna Johnston and Asher Calton. Daughter-in-law, Donna Calton Webb, her children: Carrie Webb and Eric Webb, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Chic was so very loved and will be dearly missed by all those who knew him.

Visitation was held Thursday, March 11, 2021 from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at Community Baptist Church in Maylene, Alabama, and followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm. Burial was at Shelby Memory Gardens in Calera, Alabama on Thursday, March 11, 2021