Walter B. Childs, IV

Obituary For Walter B. Childs, IV

The Heart and Hands of Walter Burchard Childs, IV

Walter Burchard Childs, IV, was born on October 25, 1966, in Concord, North Carolina, and departed this life on May 5, 2026, at Willow Valley Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation. He was the beloved son of the late Dr. Walter Childs, III and Mrs. Dorothy S. Childs.

Walter graduated from T. Wingate Andrews High School in 1984 and later attended Guilford Technical Community College, where he earned an associate’s degree and developed exceptional skills in CAD systems and graphic design. That talent became the foundation of a remarkable career, as he worked throughout North Carolina, Florida, and California creating award winning standout signage, programs, booklets, graphics, t-shirt designs, and countless other creative works. He was the one people called when they needed something done well, done beautifully, and done with care.

Walter was also a proud member of the High Point Lions Club, where he used his gift for design to create the cover page for their newsletter. A man who loved music deeply, he played saxophone in the marching band at Andrews High School and continued to play after graduation. He also loved string guitar and bass guitar, and he especially enjoyed all genres of music especially the deep cuts, smooth beats, and timeless melodies of artists like Marvin Gaye and Kashif. Music was not just something he enjoyed—it was part of who he was.

Above all, Walter was the keeper of his family’s history. He lovingly created the family tree and branches on Ancestry.com and was always the one family members turned to with questions about their heritage. If he did not know an answer right away, he made it his mission to find out. He was also a man of culture and versatility, fluent in French from time spent in France during high school in Grambling, Louisiana, and he carried that richness with him throughout his life.

Walter committed himself to the lifelong fraternal brotherhood of Phi Beta Sigma in 1992 and remained a devoted supporter of Winston-Salem State University. He had a gift for connecting with people and a heart rooted in kindness, creativity, and service. He loved to cook and bake, and even as his eyesight faded, he continued making meals, sweets, and grilled favorites with the same care and pride he always brought to everything he touched. His beloved dog, Oden, remained his loyal companion until he could no longer care for him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Martha Childs, and his brother-in-love, Terry G. Kindred. Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Angela Childs-Kindred; his son, Emmanual Hines; his niece, Alysha Kindred; his devoted friends Mary Meeks and Rhonda Jones; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will forever remember his warmth, talent, humor, and love.

Walter was, in every sense, a good man—a cook, a creator, a historian, a music lover, and a faithful friend. His life was a beautiful blend of artistry, family, culture, and compassion, and his memory will continue to live on in every design, every song, every shared story, and every meal made with love.

May his legacy live on in every song, every shared memory, and every act of love inspired by his life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you honor his memory with a tax-deductible donation to support the Winston-Salem State University Choir: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/26CHOIRAUSTRIA.

At this time, no formal service will be held. Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.

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