Franklin "Doug" McArthur Childress

Franklin McArthur Childress, better known as Doug, passed away at his Shalimar home on September 25, 2020.He was 78 and spent over 40 years as a Shalimar resident.Born in Coopers, W. Vain 1942, he spent most of his youth living with his sister and her four sons in Canton, OH before graduating from Canton Central Catholic High School and embarking on his own career.Doug spent his working career supporting the USAF enlisting in 1964 and finally retiring from active duty in 1991. He spent the majority of his Air Force career working in Pharmacy. After working a few short years in the pharmacy of a local hospital, he returned to government service as a civil servant in a job he reminded his children belonged to a long-time friend. He passed away serving the government. It was during his first career in the Air Force that he met a young woman in a foreign country and decided then that he should spend the next 50+ years with her. In April of 1967, he married Chung Cha (Oh) Childress, known to all as Suky, and they welcomed their first child, William Childress, in 1968.Two years later, Michele Childress was born.The family of four would find themselves moving from Montgomery, AL to South Korea and Shaw AFB, SC before finally settling in along the Emerald Coast in 1978 while Doug finished his Air Force career at Eglin AFB, FL. But that’s when things would only get started. Anyone who knew Doug knew how much he adored his four grandchildren; Kinley Childress, Alec Childress, Parker Childress and Jared Childress.  Papa would spend many weekends watching his grandchildren playing in the pool and feasting on Nana’s lunches and dinners. As his grandchildren grew and began their own lives, Doug always had his yard to occupy his time. He was so proud of being able to take care of his yard and gardens filled with flowers and fruits and vegetables.

Doug was preceded in death by his daughter Michele in 2000. He is survived by wife Suky, son William and grandchildren Kinley, Alec, Parker,and Jared. Doug was always willing to help anyone out or provide any amount of time.

A memorial service with full military honors will take place on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. at Emerald Coast Funeral Home.  In keeping with Doug’s sentiment, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to a charity of choice in honor of Doug. Expressions of love and sympathy can be placed and viewed online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com.
 

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