10/17/2025
Charlotte – R. Michael Childs, 86, died Sunday, October 12, 2025, at his home, after a valiant fight with cancer. Born August 5, 1939, in Asheville, NC, he was the son of Jack Hyams Childs and Mary Stith Childs, and was preceded in death by his brother Jack Stith "Jay" Childs.
Michael was a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather, a passionate Tar Heels fan, history enthusiast, bibliophile, and lifelong lover of the woods, wildflowers, and birds. His love for music, especially for classical music which his mother inspired, informed his many artistic and cultural interests. He grew up in Southern Pines and Wilson, where he was the saxophonist in the renowned Russell Stevens Orchestra, and graduated from Charles L. C**n High School in Wilson, where he served as Senior Class President.
He matriculated to the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, and played in the marching band. These years included memorable summer jobs at the Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock, in Yellowstone National Park, and as an intern at the US Congress.
He then attended Harvard Law School, which, upon graduation, led to his serving in the Navy JAG Corps, at the Pentagon and Naval Security Station, before returning to North Carolina to practice law at Moore and Van Allen in Charlotte. During the halcyon Washington, D.C., years, he and Pamela Gay Waggoner were introduced, and eventually married on May 20, 1967. They recently celebrated 58 years of devoted and grateful marriage.
Traveling across the United States with the family, especially in the Blue Ridge Mountains, was a favorite pastime. He and Pam also enjoyed several journeys across Europe after he retired. He loved his home state, and was grateful to be an American. He served multiple terms as president and board member of the Myers Park Homeowners Association, helping preserve the trees and homes of the historic neighborhood. After some years teaching Sunday school and leading Methodist Men, he was one of a close group of men who have shared a weekly breakfast fellowship over many years. His Christian faith motivated him in all things, and he expressed that faith in his daily interactions, keeping close contact with friends and relatives with optimism and good cheer. He had such a love for life, and was always there with a supportive word for those in need, especially his family.
A funeral service to celebrate Michael’s life will be at 2pm, Friday, October 24, 2025, at Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28211. The family will host a reception following the service in the church. The burial will be at 10am earlier that morning in the Forest Lawn East Cemetery in Weddington, NC, which friends and family are welcome to attend.
He is survived by his wife and the mother of his children, Pamela Waggoner Childs; his son, Matthew Jack Childs; his daughter, Catherine Childs Garner, and her daughter, Corinne Adele Garner. He is survived as well by his brother Jack's family: daughter, Jane Childs Morris, her husband Ted Morris, and their daughters Mary Catherine Morris and Madeleine Morris; and son, John Patrick Childs, wife KD Childs, and their son, Jack Micheal Childs. He also treasured his relationships with Pam's parents, sister Christine Hudnell (husband Ron Hudnell), and Kathleen Petty (husband Clint Petty), and their wonderful children and grandchildren in the Petty, Berry, and Hunt families.
Morgan & Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Childs
