Norman Childs Obituary

Norman was born October 4, 1941 in Washington, D.C. to the late Norman E. Childs and Lula Dye Pickard Childs. He passed away peacefully at the age of 83 at Transitions Life Care Hospice in Raleigh, NC.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Norman lived a life of service, adventure, and deep commitment to family and community.
Norman and his wife, Virginia, met while attending the UNC School of Public Health in 1964. Upon earning their MSPH degrees, they began their careers in the Washington, D.C. area. As a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service, Norman was assigned to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where he spent a significant portion of his career. He retired in 1995 after 30 years of dedicated service.
The family enjoyed a fulfilling five years in Montgomery, AL, before moving to the Research Triangle Park area in North Carolina in 1973, where Norman continued his work at the EPA. It was here they built a life, raising their sons and eventually welcoming five grandchildren.
Norman and Virginia's dedication to their church, Highland United Methodist Church, and their close-knit Seekers Sunday School Class were integral parts of their life. They shared many memorable experiences with fellow class members, including annual camping trips to the mountains and beach. Norman also devoted his time to volunteer work, including 15 years serving as a Site Supervisor for the Highland Service Project, helping repair homes for low-income seniors, and storing and distributing luminary supplies for Cary FUMC Scout Troop 200.
Norman was a lifelong learner, earning degrees from Western Kentucky University (BS in Physics and Math), UNC-Chapel Hill (MSPH in Radiological Health), and Duke University (MBA). In his retirement, Norman and Virginia enjoyed travel, particularly visiting National Parks across the western U.S. and cruising the world's major waterways, with a highlight being a river cruise on the Rhine and Danube.
A man of diverse interests, Norman enjoyed reading, particularly WWII history and fictional intrigue, with authors like Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy, Lee Child, and Vince Flynn, as well as indulging in his lifelong
love of Sherlock Holmes. He also enjoyed playing bridge and was a fan of movies, particularly Netflix and IMAX films.
Norman's life was one of purpose, passion, and connection. He cherished his family, especially the joy of spending time with his grandchildren, and was deeply proud of the life he and Virginia created together. Their retirement years at Glenaire were the culmination of a life well-lived, full of love, adventure, and fulfillment.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Virginia, sons Nixon (Patricia) of Grovetown, Georgia and Douglas (Shannon) of Simpsonville, South Carolina, five grandchildren (Joshua, Justin, Max, Millicent and Bea), and brother Nixon Pickard Childs (Chris) of Blairsville, Georgia.
A celebration of Norman's life will be held at Glenaire (4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary, NC 27511) at 2:00pm on Friday, December 27, 2024. Remembrances may be made to a charity of one's preference.