Edward Hirt Christy

Born April 2, 1928, to Arthur and Ethel (Hirt) Christy in Fremont, Ohio, Ed graduated from Henry B. Plant High School in Tampa, Florida. Upon graduation he and eight of his classmates immediately joined the Army where Ed pridefully served as an M.P., most notably during the Korean War. After the Army he attended the University of Florida where he became a diehard believer in both the Gator Nation and its motto Civium in moribus rei publicae salus. (“The welfare of the state depends upon the morals of its citizens.”) After college Ed spent 10 years in the life insurance business and quickly attained the professional designation of Chartered Life Underwriter. In 1962 he joined the Marine Bank & Trust in Tampa, Florida, as a Business Development Officer and moved to Winter Park in 1972 to join the Commercial Bank of Winter Park, attaining the position of Vice President and Trust Officer.

On September 2, 1972, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ed married the most beautiful person in his world, Naomi (Ellingwood) Christy. Ed was a lifetime member of Sertoma International and spent many years raising funds for local charities. Upon retiring in 1989 Ed and Naomi built their home in Errol Estates Country Club where they became lifetime members and enjoyed untold rounds of golf. Ed and Naomi spent many years traveling the world while enjoying the game of golf.

Ed was a devout Christian and attended New Vision Community Church, reveling in both the community and Pastor Dan Tyler’s sermons that paved the way to understanding and deriving comfort from the Bible.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Ethel Christy; brothers Russ (Helen) Christy and Art (Margaret Anne) Christy; sisters Jane (Johnny) Watts and Anne (Billy) Hayes; his sons Edward H. (Dorry) Christy Jr. and Timothy Ellingwood; and daughter Pam Thorstenson. He is survived by the love of his life, Naomi; his loving sister, Myky (Bob) Barnard; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and grand, great, and great-great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at the Baldwin–Fairchild Funeral Home at 601 N. Park Ave. in Apopka, Florida, at 2:00 PM on March 13, 2022. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hospice Care of Central Florida, who ensured his transition from this life was a peaceful one.

“For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” (Philippians 4:13 New Living Translation Bible)