Edward Arnold Midkiff

SFC Edward Arnold Midkiff (US ARMY RET) passed away Sunday, January 17, 2021.  He was a 10 lb. baby born on February 17, 1943, in Newport News, VA, the only child of Coy Albert and Lena Belle Smith Midkiff.  Edward enlisted in the United States Army in 1960 on his 17th birthday.  He was a career serviceman, who fought and was injured during the Vietnam War.  He was stationed in many bases around the country, as well as in Germany, where he met his wife, Christa.  Serving as NCOIC of the US Military Community Military Affiliated Radio System Station (MARS), Edward was responsible for the development of the Würzburg MARS Station, connecting soldiers and their families.  It cost a fortune to call from Germany to America at that time, and this helped lift spirits and increased morale.  His team saved many people’s lives, answering distress calls from disoriented planes and ships at sea.  After 22 years of serving our country, he retired in 1982.  Edward was highly decorated, receiving numerous commendations and medals, including the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.  He served with distinction and honor and was proud of his service and country.  Edward was very active in the HAM Radio community and was a member of the Surry County Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) group.  He enjoyed his bus trips with fellow HAM operators to the Dayton HamVention.  He loved his music, western movies, shooting the sh*t, drinking black coffee at the gun shop or Biscuitville with his many friends, his apple turnovers from Pastelicious, and the Mexican bakery on Pine Street.  He was always a hard worker, even from a young age, selling his mama’s apple pies on the street for $1 and washed dishes at The Derby Restaurant.  Edward worked in the tobacco fields; in the textile mills in Mount Airy; at Rose’s and JCPenney when they were both still on Main Street; at Northern Hospital as a security guard; there wasn’t a job he couldn’t do, until his health forced him to leave the workforce in the 1990s.  He took classes at Surry Community College later in life, taking classes on everything from automotive to electrical, and computers to carpentry – making the most gorgeous wall bookcase for the family.  And there was not anything he could not do.  He was determined, opinionated, stubborn – affectionately called “Burr-head” – funny, he knew what he wanted and for 50 years he wanted an El Camino.  Years ago, he finally bought one and when he took his daughter Denise for a drive, gunning it to over 100 mph, the smile on his face was simply priceless.  He and Christa met in the summer of 1962 and were married in November 1962.  His parents preceded him in death.  He is survived by his wife and three daughters, Patricia (John) Baker of Denver, Heidi (Scott) Trinkle of Portland, OR, and Denise Midkiff (John May) of Buckeye, AZ.  He is also survived by his two granddaughters, Jamie Trinkle of Portland, OR, and Bailey Midkiff of Buckeye, AZ.  There was so much more this obituary does not contain.  Edward will be remembered by family and friends for his sense of humor, stubbornness, straight talk, generosity and willingness to help.  Bailey will miss having breakfast with Papa every morning and miss his singing her name.  As a child, Jamie loved going fairystone hunting and going to diners for pie with Papa; more recently, his storytelling, going shooting, and listening to music together are memories Jamie will always hold dear.  The rhythm of the sound Daddy made when unlacing his fatigue boots after he came home from work will always stick in our minds.  He has been loved and will be greatly missed.  Please honor his memory by grabbing a black coffee and a delicious apple turnover.  “That right there” was Edward Midkiff.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Charitable Service Trust at www.DAV.org.  No service or memorial arrangements have been made at this time.  Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.