“Earl” was born on February 23, 1951, in Columbus, Georgia to Clara Bell Jordan Childs Russel and Joe Tom Childs.
From a young age, Earl was known amongst his peers for his passion towards athletics. This, coupled with his natural ability to excel in every sport he decided to pick up, quickly earned him the title of “Captain” on both the football and basketball team at Columbus Junior High School where he was a student. His athletic abilities and entertaining gymnastic stunts are still remembered by many to this day.
While he loved demonstrating his notorious backflips and walking on his hands around school and the neighborhood, the main contribution to his popularity was his gentle nature and enormous heart. His deep passion for sports however, paled in comparison to the adoration he felt the day he met his childhood sweetheart and future wife Ms. Brenda Gail Hicks. From that point on, his devotion to Gail and the family they would ultimately build together became his entire world. Providing for his loved ones became Earl’s number one priority in life. He supported his family all of his adult life through working for civil service as a sheet metal fabricator on Ft Benning. After retiring from his position there, he returned to work for Shaw Contractors which later became Tiya Services. Earl retired from Tiya just this year in early 2024. He loved his Georgia Bulldogs, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Falcons, and Basketball, no matter who was playing.
Earl will always be remembered for the unwavering love he possessed for his wife, his children, his grandchildren as well as his entire family. Everyone in Columbus knew of the Childs family and the tight-knit sibling bond they shared growing up. No matter the distance or time that may pass, their brotherly and sisterly love will always remain strong. He loved God and often talked to his daughter about knowing the love God had for him.
Houston is survived by his wife Brenda Gail Childs of Columbus, his daughters Shelly Childs of Columbus, Crystal Childs Talley of Phenix City, his son Houston Earl Childs Jr. “Bubba”; his grandchildren, Elijah Steven Anderson, Crystal Shyanne Talley; his brother, Mike Childs; sister-in-law, Vicky Childs; sister-in-law, Adleine Childs; sister, Martha Ellen Childs Mickel; brother-in-law, Danny Mickle; sister-in-law, Kris Childs; sister, Judy Childs Lancaster, Faye Childs James, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Clara Bell Jordan Childs Russell; his father, Joe Tom Childs; his brothers, Bobby Joe Childs, Larry Childs, Harold Childs, Terry Childs; his sister, Elizabeth Childs Muggenberg; brother-in-laws, Ronnie James, Burt Lancaster; his nephews, Ryan Childs, David Childs, Timothy Childs, Bradley Childs.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM in Edgewood Hall at Striffler Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907. Earl loved his sports and enjoyed dressing comfortably, so please feel free to wear your bulldogs, braves, casual, or Sunday's Best attire!
