Clyde Bennett MIDKIFF

Clyde Bennett Midkiff

Clyde Bennett Midkiff, 82, of 607 Leftwich Street, Gretna, died Friday, March 6, 2009, in Lynchburg General Hospital with his wife of 32 years, Joyce Roark Midkiff, by his side.

Born May 27, 1926, in Pittsylvania County, he was the youngest son born to the late John Thomas Midkiff and Elvira Shelton Midkiff. The last of his generation, he was predeceased by six brothers, Richard Midkiff, Walter Midkiff, Fred Midkiff Sr., Floyd Midkiff, Raymond Midkiff and Robert Midkiff Sr. He was also, predeceased by his first wife, Elvin Rowland Midkiff. Clyde was a Navy veteran of World War II serving as a medic. After his discharge he went to work as an office and stock clerk for Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative and retired after 43 years as the Gretna District Manager; just three days after his retirement he went to work at Thompson's Haberdashery and spent 8 enjoyable years working for Senator Charles Hawkins and Andrew Wall. He was an active member of Greenfield Baptist Church where he had served as deacon and Sunday School superintendent. Active in his community he was a charter member of the Gretna Lions Club serving as past President and as treasurer for over 25 years. Clyde offered support to the Gretna Rescue Squad since it was organized and served on the Board of Directors for over 25 years. He assisted in the initial fundraising for the Ramsey Memorial Medical Center and has served on the Board of Directors since 1970, the last 19 years as Chairman of the Building Committee. He was an active supporter of the Patrick Henry Boys and Girls Plantation, where he served on the Advisory Board, Scholarship Committee and in 1997, was appointed to the Board of Trustees. Clyde was on the Board of the Gretna Friends of the Library from the beginning until it culminated in the dedication of the Riddle Center in 2000. He also served as a member of the original Board of Directors for the Pittsylvania County Economic Development Organization (PEDO). He was named the Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 1988 and the Gretna Merchants Associations Citizen of the year in 1989. He and Joyce were very dedicated to Danville Community College, where he served both on the Foundation Board for 24 years and the College Board for eight years. For his many years of service in 1995, Clyde was awarded an Honorary Degree of Associate in Humane Letters, and in 1996, received the Outstanding Board Member Recognition Award from the Virginia Community College System. Clyde was also the recipient of Virginia Community Colleges' 2007 Chancellor's Award for Leadership in Philanthropy.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Roark Midkiff of the residence; nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2009, at Greenfield Baptist Church by the Rev. R.G. Rowland and Dr. B. Carlyle Ramsey. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8, 2009, at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home and other times will be at the residence.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Gretna Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 14, Gretna, VA 24557, the Gretna Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 615, Gretna, VA or to the Greenfield Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. 875, Gretna, VA.

Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is in charge of arrangements.