Richard Lynwood Childers

Richard Lynwood Childers, 86, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025 in Memphis. He was born July 13, 1939 to Landern and Louise Andrews Childers in Henderson, Kentucky. Growing up as the son of a Presbyterian minister, Richard became a master at being the new kid in school, moving first to Nashville, then to Memphis-experiences that shaped his natural ability to connect with anyone he met. After graduating from Whitehaven High School and Memphis State University, he joined the Navy. True to his sense of humor, he often joked of how he went to OCS but failed navigation class because he ended up steering the ship through the middle of Providence. He served with pride as an enlisted man on the USS Shenandoah. Following his military service, Richard earned his Master's degree from Ole Miss. He retired from Memphis Public Library in 1994. Not quite ready to slow down, he continued at Northwest Community College for another six years. Richard had a gift for making everyone feel like they mattered. With his devilish sense of humor and razor-sharp wit-playfully sarcastic but never cruel-he could fill a room with laughter and leave people feeling lighter than when they arrived. His signature question, "Have you had fun today?" wasn't just small talk-it was his genuine invitation for people to embrace joy, whether they were lifelong friends or strangers he'd just met. And oh, did he have fun in life! Richard was devoted to his family. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 46 years, Peggy-his constant companion and love; his cherished daughter Meg; his adored granddaughter Gabby; his dear brother-in-law Robert Morrish; and a circle of friends who considered themselves family. He was simply a good guy-the kind who made the world brighter just by being in it. We loved him very, very much, and his laughter will echo in our hearts forever. There will be a private family memorial.