Orville Middleton Obituary

Orville Ernest Middleton MT. PLEASANT - Orville Ernest Middleton, 88, formerly of Denver, NC died January 9, 2018, in Mt. Pleasant, SC after an extended illness. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at The Palms of Mt. Pleasant, 937 Bowman Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at 1:00 pm. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Interment will be in Sylva, NC at a later date. The son of Talmage Ferry and Minnie Parker Middleton, Orville was born in Tuckaseegee, NC on May 2, 1929. He graduated from Western Carolina University (NC) with degrees in education and administration. He worked in the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System as a teacher and later principal for over 39 years. He also served for 4 years in the Naval Air Cadets and the US Navy. Orville was a 32nd degree Mason. OE was the definition of a Renaissance man. He spent many years crafting musical instruments. He was the man who held the door for you. He was the man who tended to widows and brought them roses from his garden. He was the man who went from a mountain river to teaching himself to sail to piloting the sea and the sky. He was a true southern gentleman and a scholar. He was loved and honored by many. He will always be missed. OE had a passion for nature and throughout his life enjoyed outdoor activities of hiking, camping, birdwatching and boating. He was a member of the Audubon Society and US Powersquadron. He was a lifelong learner and taught himself and others the mechanics of sailing, navigation, and boating safety. Orville spent many years tending vegetable and flower gardens in North Carolina. An avid reader, he enjoyed reading prose, writing poetry and participating in book club discussions. He also volunteered as an ombudsman for nursing homes and delivered meals on wheels to shut-ins while living in Denver. Orville is survived by his wife Jean Harris Middleton of Mt. Pleasant (formerly of Sylva, NC), and his daughters: Celeste Smith (Lex) of Apex, NC, Jan Kurtz (Brian) of Mt. Pleasant, and Gwyn Watson (David) of Hickory, NC, and eight grandchildren: Kyle Smith, Anna Watson, Derek Smith, James Kurtz, Jeanna Kurtz, Darah Watson, Elizabeth Kurtz, and Dana Watson. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother T. Walter Middleton, and sister Thelma Smith. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Masonic Home for Children, East LaPorte Masonic Lodge, P.O. Box 388, Cullowhee, NC 28723. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston