Thurmond Edward Midkiff

After a courageous battle, Mr. Thurmond Edward Midkiff won his final victory on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, with his wife, daughters, and grandson by his side. He was born to George W. Midkiff and Rosa Rakes Midkiff on July 17, 1924. Mr. Midkiff was a member of Westfield Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher for boys and adults, chairman of the deacons, and chairman of the building and finance committees. He proudly served his country in Italy in World War II as leader of the famed 34th Infantry Division Rattlesnake Squad. He received a Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman's Medal, Victory Medal, Expert Rifleman's Badge, Army of Occupation Medal, and others. As VFW Post 2019 Chaplain and Honor Guard Commander, he took part in over 1,000 veterans' funerals. He served as District 11 Northern Divisions Honor Guard Commander and was named Comrade of the Year in 1996, 1997, and 2000-2001. He enjoyed speaking at area churches, schools, nursing homes, and city Veterans' Day celebrations. He also served as chaplain of The Gideons International Mount Airy Camp. His God, his family, and his country were the most important things in his life. After returning from the war, he was employed by Hayes Hardware, Harris Builders Supply, and John S. Clark Construction. He received Builder of the Year Award and Presidents Awards from the Surry County Homebuilders Association. Mr. Midkiff is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Ellen Jessup Midkiff; three daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Pat Craver, Kathy and Robert Allen, and Sarah and Dr. Nelson Gardner; seven grandchildren, Wes (Ann) Allen, Will (Jennifer) Allen, Edward (Jennifer) Craver, Cassie Gardner, Maddie Gardner, Mary Kathryn (Gary) Patterson, and Elizabeth (Dean) Pinard; and seven great-grandchildren, Austin Allen, Layton, Lane, and Lexi Allen, Levi Banks, Lily Craver, and Alex Patterson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Lloyd, Keith, and Jimmy Midkiff; sisters, Katherine Barr and Ramona Cheek; and great-granddaughter, Grace Craver. He is also survived by his sisters, Coleen Marion and Carol Mills. A celebration of Mr. Midkiff's life will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, May 8, 2015, at Westfield Baptist Church, with Dr. Joel Stephens and Mr. Gary York presiding. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with grave rites by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard. The family will visit with friends at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy on Thursday, May 7, 2015, from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars, 142 Veterans Drive, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041.