Erby MIDDLETON Obituary

NORFOLK - Erby George Middleton Jr. born May 3, 1927, in Norfolk, Va., died peacefully in his home Dec. 7, 2009.
The son of Erby George Middleton and Thelma Wood Middleton, he was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Beverly Randolph Middleton.
George graduated from Norview High School in 1944 where he lettered in baseball and football and was awarded runner-up for All Tidewater Tackle. After a year attending Virginia Tech, he enlisted in the Army and served in the Signal Corp in Bavaria near Munich, Germany. Upon returning to Virginia Tech he graduated in 1950.
In 1950 he joined his father's electrical contracting firm, E. G. Middleton, Inc., Electrical Contractors and remained active until his death, becoming President and Chairman. He was particularly proud to wear the hats of electrical engineer, contractor, and electrician. He was active in his profession as a Registered Professional Engineer and held membership in the Virginia Society of Professional Engineers, and was chairman of the Tidewater and Virginia Chapters of the National Electrical Contractors Association. George served as Chairman of the Board of Electrical Examiners for the City of Norfolk for fifteen years and was Chairman of the Builders and Contractors Exchange of Tidewater.
George shared his talent, vision, and enthusiasm with a multitude of organizations such as his alma mater Virginia Tech, Norfolk's School System, Virginia Wesleyan College, The Christian Temple, Bayside Presbyterian Church and Sentara. Many judge success by the index of a salary, but to George success was the quality of his service to his community.
Throughout his life he remained true to the Hokie spirit as Chairman of the Dean's Advisory Committee of the College of Engineering and as a member on the Committee of 100 of the College of Engineering, the UT Prosim Society, the Legacy Society, the board of Industrial Diversification Committee, College of Engineering.
In the field of education, George served as a member of the Norfolk City School Board for seven years, and then for four years as it's Chairman during the implementation of massive bussing. At Virginia Wesleyan College he served as a trustee.
While attending The Christian Temple and later Bayside Presbyterian, George was active as a Sunday School Teacher as well as an Elder and Trustee.
George was active in health care for 32 years, acting as Chairman of Norfolk General Hospital and Chairman of the Building Committee of Leigh Memorial Hospital. Under George's leadership these hospitals later became known as Medical Center Hospitals, Norfolk, Va., Alliance, and then Sentara, where he was Chairman of the Board for 20 years.
George firmly believed that integrity is doing the right thing, even if no one is watching. As a result, he was awarded many honors such as being the only non-hospital administrator chairman of The Board of Directors of Virginia Hospital and Health Care Association. In 1985, George was named "Trustee of the Year" by Modern Healthcare Magazine. In 1997, he was the recipient of the Colgate W. Darden, Jr. Scouter Citizen of the Year Award. In 2002, George was named FIRST CITIZEN of Norfolk.
George was a sought after speaker and presenter. Honing his skills as a young man in Toastmasters, he had the amazing skill of remembering hundreds of joke punch lines. He would tailor the content of a joke to fit each audience. His audiences ranged from Medical Societies to U.S. Senate sub-committees to local service organizations. In addition, no family affair passed without George gracing the event with his rhyming and humorous prose.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 24 years, Elizabeth Franck Middleton, who was his Number One cheerleader and his support partner at E. G. Middleton, Inc. and who gave him the freedom to partake in so many outside activities. He is also survived by his daughter, Melissa Middleton Knight, her husband, E. Falcon Knight Jr.; his son, E. G. (Rudy) Middleton III, his wife, Dawn Klein Middleton; his stepdaughters, Donna Dougherty Ellis, her husband, Walter E. Ellis III, Dana Jo Dougherty Decker, her husband, Peter G. Decker III, and Dawn Dougherty Wilson, her husband, Charles W. Wilson. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Virginia (Ginny) Middleton Meredith, Sarah Scott Meredith, Madison Selden Ellis, Miranda Leigh Ellis, Ryan David French, Erby George Middleton IV, Evan Garrett Middleton, Zoe Elizabeth Decker, Peter G. Decker IV, Lucas Charles Wilson, Peyton Elizabeth Wilson; and sister-in-law, Ernestine K. Middleton; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Tish and Harold Bock. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and a large extended family.
A memorial service will be held at Bayside Presbyterian Church, 1400 Ewell Rd, Virginia Beach, Va., on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in the Social Hall. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Sentara Foundation, 6015 Poplar Hall Drive, Norfolk, VA 23502 or CHKD Foundation, 601 Children's Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507, or to a charity of choice.
In a final tribute to George, we offer a few lines in his indelible style.
You lived your life an example
The blueprints and visions are ample.
To us the future you entrust
To continue your legacy a must. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.

Published by Daily Press from Dec. 10 to Dec. 13, 2009.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Erby MIDDLETON

Not sure what to say?





The Lord shall make good his loving kindness to George and he will share in everlasting life. I thrust that his family will find comfort.
The following advise and statement reminds me of George.

Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret.

There is a true glory and a true honor; the glory of duty done---the honor of the integrity of principle.

Robert E. Lee

Dean & Linda Evans

December 15, 2009

Mrs.Middleton,
Mr.Middleton's sense of humor and generosity will never be forgotten. I enjoyed chatting with him every day he came in for lunch.It was a pleasure to know such a wonderful man. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Donna Kane, cook @ Back Street Deli

December 14, 2009

O D HITE

December 13, 2009

This was one of the best people I have worked for. He was always friendly and took time to stop and speak, check to see if you need anything or just say hello and have a good day. He will be missed from the electrical field and this area in general.
Todd T. Tyer and family

Todd Tyer

December 12, 2009

Rudy & Mellisa: So sad to hear about your dad's passing. I know you will greatly miss him. I remember hanging out at your house in high school and he was always kind to me.

Ray Abernathy

December 11, 2009

Rudy,
We were saddened to hear of the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

James Hopkins

December 11, 2009

Rudy & Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Anita and Jerry Gregory

December 11, 2009

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Ken and Priscilla Krakaur

December 10, 2009

Rudy,

I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I will be thinking about you and your family during these difficult times.

With Heartfelt Condolences,
Bubba Tarkington

December 10, 2009

The family

C.A."JOE" Austin III & family have WARM memories of Mr. Middleton.To Rudy I say I LOVE YOU BROTHER & will see you soon.

C.A."Joe" Austin III

December 10, 2009

Dear Mrs. Middleton and Family, we are deeply saddened by your loss. George was a wonderful person who meant the world to so many. I'm sure Peter at the Pearly Gate feels just like so many of us did, not wanting him to pass by just yet, so he could get one more belly-laugh just one more time, even now hearing him tell his Adam and Eve joke, ending with "What can I get for a rib?" We will miss him dearly. With Love and Sympathy, Chris & Debi Davidson

Chris and Debi Davidson

December 10, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Fred Napolitano

December 9, 2009

sorry for your loss. thinking of you. you and your family are in my prayers sincerely John.Green

December 9, 2009

With deepest sympathy.

Dwain Burns

December 9, 2009

George will be remembered by many people, especially the "Norview" buddies. The family will be kept in our prayers.

William R. Frizzell, Sr.

December 9, 2009

We would like to send our prayers to your family during these difficult times. We were blessed to have been able to share so many lunches and lots of laughs. You will be greatly missed! The Back Street Deli Crew

Backstreet Deli

December 9, 2009

George was an outstanding community leader and a real gentleman. He was a role model for hospital trustees across the country. George served our community hospitals in Virginia and nationally with honesty, vision, humility, humor and grace. We have lost a leader that has left a permanent and positive legacy.

George will be missed by all of us in health care who were influenced by him and who felt honored to call George a friend.

Bruce Rueben

December 9, 2009

From your friends and family at Sentara Norfolk General your humor and sincere concern for patient care in Hampton Roads will be missed. God will have a true servant with your presence.

Mary L. Blunt
Administrator Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

December 9, 2009

George was a great leader and colleague to all of us in the Commonwealth. He will be greatly missed. On behalf of all his friends at Inova Health System, our condolences and prayers to his family.

john fitzgerald

December 9, 2009

Elizabeth & family, what a GREAT man Uncle George was. He always was happy and made everyone around him happy with his wit. He will be terribly missed. We pray that the Lord will comfort you during this time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Barry & Paula Knight

December 9, 2009

Rudy, so sorry to hear of your loss...your DAD was very loved and respected in the community,
Debbie Parsons

Debbie Parsons

December 9, 2009

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

Make a Donation
in Erby MIDDLETON's name

Memorial Events
for Erby MIDDLETON

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Erby's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Erby MIDDLETON's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more