Gene Childs, born July 24, 1953, "absent from the body, present with the Lord," passed away unexpectedly from natural causes on Friday, September 8, 2017, leaving behind his wife, Kay, who was often caught in his adoring gaze. Gene was a devoted father and grandfather to his son, Kris; grandson, Noah; daughter, Bree and her husband, Zack. He is also survived by his brother, Leon Childs, wife, Toni; as well as sisters and brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews who will miss him greatly.

All who knew Gene knew him as a compassionate, tender and loving man, who was slow to anger and quick to forgive.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Childs; mother, Jane Skeens and step father.

The family will receive friends at 10:00am Saturday, September 23, 2017 with a Memorial service beginning at 11:00am at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the Child's family requests for donations to be made to the preservation of the Benson House, Gulf Breeze Area Historical Society, P.O. Box 632, Gulf Breeze, FL 32562.