Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

The Pinecone | March 2026 • 3 • Get to know Kirby Pines' Recently Bruce and LuEllen Childress (with their cat Tigger) moved to Kirby Pines from their previous home in Aberdeen, Mississippi. The Childress' met in college, and they have been married for 61 years. They are the proud parents of two sons and five grandchildren. After graduating from The University of Memphis with degrees in Physical Science, History and Math, Bruce had a long career as a EOD Bomb Expert with the United StatesAir Force and as a safety engineer with Lake Shore Engineering. LuEllen graduated with degrees in Chemistry and Math and is continuing her career in Medical Research. She is currently working on a research dissertation in her field. A Veteran, Bruce was responsible for destroying rocket motors, inspecting nuclear weapons, disarming explosives and bomb systems worldwide. While serving in the Air Force. Bruce earned the rank of Second Lieutenant and Major. With his long career in the world of disarming bombs, he is happy he has all of his fingers and toes. While in the military, Bruce traveled to Japan, Thailand, Korea, The Philippines, Germany, Holland and Turkey. Bruce served as a church deacon and was a scout master for 10 years. He collects stamps and coins, and he is looking forward to finding new ways to stay active. LuEllen has worked with non-profit groups, Monroe County Vision Center and started the Ohio Wesleyan. She is a collector of porcelains, angels and antiques and to stay active she takes care of everyone. You will want to find Bruce and LuEllen soon and give them a warm Kirby Pines welcome. We are thrilled they chose our retirement community for this chapter in their life. Bruce & LuEllen Childress Allen Childress Born in Everett, Washington and moving from Austin, Texas, Allen has moved to our Kirby Pines community, bringing many interesting talents and unique qualities. Allen graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 1984 with a BS Degree in Computer Science. As a Senior Technical Architect, Allen has had a 45-year career with various employers. Computers have been the center of his career, but his hobbies and interests have been influenced by computers such as programming, AI, computer gaming, stock trading, stock algorithms, Tesla and Space X. Travel destinations include England, Scotland, France, Germany, Holland, Mexico, Canada and 36 states. Allen began getting honors in High School such as 1st place in a calculator competition and becoming an Eagle Scout. Some other awards he received are Texaco Presidential Award for Automation, Computer Sciences-Technical Excellence X2 and 5 Software Patents. At Liberty Mutual, he won the Silver Medallion for Software Automation. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis presented him the President's Award. To stay active Allen walks, hikes, participates in Python Programming Meetups and computer conferences. His proudest accomplishment is the raising of three sons to care about others. Our new neighbor is a computer expert. We need to welcome him warmly so he can help us improve our computer skills. We may not become experts, but a little improvement goes a long way. His friends say he is helpful, loyal and unique. Sounds like he will be a good fit for Kirby Pines. NEW RESIDENTS New Resident Bios written by resident, Peggy Reynolds Gatlin