United States Army Veteran, Reverend Edward Bernard Childs of Atlanta, Georgia passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of the Forest Chapel Baptist Church in Pinehurst, Georgia.  The burial, with military honors, will follow in the churchyard cemetery.

Reverend Edward Bernard Childs was welcomed to the world on February 16, 1945, in Unadilla, Georgia. He was born to the loving parentage of John W. Childs and Pauline Childs. His parents, along with his siblings, Paul Childs, Evelyn Newsome, Juanita Hughes, and Della Turner, each precede him in death.

Educated in the public schools of Dooly County, "Bubba" as he was affectionately known to his family, enlisted in the United States Army in 1969. He served with honor and distinction, attaining the rank of Specialist Four/E-4, he distinguished himself by heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 27 February 1970 while assigned to D Troop, 17th    Calvary, 199th Infantry  Brigade.

On that date, he was participating in a convoy operation when the convoy was ambushed by a large, heavily armed enemy force. Without any regard for his personal safety, he took an exposed position despite the intense hostile fire to better engage the enemy. His actions and his ability to keep with the high  traditions of the military reflected excellent credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. The Purple Heart was awarded to him on March 28, 1970, because of wounds he received in action on January 16, 1970.

His Christian journey began early in life when he joined the Forest Chapel Baptist Church in Pinehurst, Georgia. As he grew and continued his study of the word, he heard the call of Christ and began preaching in 1975. Over the years he has pastored, Chapel Hill Missionary Church, Atlanta, Georgia, Ware Grove Baptist Church, Cedartown, Georgia, and Shiloh Baptist Church, Cartersville, Georgia. His love for Christ and the people of God was  ever-present as he went about preaching and teaching along the way.

He enjoyed life and the simple things that it offered him. Whether fishing or hunting he enjoyed being outside in the open air. He also took immense pride in detailing his vehicles.

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, he traded the cares of this life for a life free of all sickness and pain. Cherished memories of his life will forever be cherished by his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. Carrie W. Childs of Atlanta, Georgia; his loving sisters, Ms. Johnnie Mae Echols and Ms. Eloise Turner both of Orlando, Florida, Mrs. Mildred (Robert) Henderson, EdD of Macon, Georgia and Ms. Louise Linkhorn of Unadilla, Georgia; his beloved brother, Deacon Robert L. Childs of Unadilla, Georgia; a nephew who was raised as a brother, Deacon Lyndon Bobby (Rosa) Childs of Unadilla, Georgia; his brother-in-law, Mr. Adam L. (Irene) Williams; a host of nieces and nephews, to include, Ms. Brittany Childs and Ms. Melissa Linkhorn both of Atlanta, Georgia; a host of cousins, other relatives, brothers/sisters-in-law; many sorrowing friends, to include his friends and neighbor, Mr. Jonathan Patridge and Mr. Ryan O'Neil both of Atlanta, Georgia.