Edward Lee Middlebrooks

Edward Lee Middlebrooks was born January 29, 1936 in West Palm Beach, Florida to his parents Gerald and Bessie Middlebrooks. He entered the presence of his Savior Jesus Christ on July 30, 2022. Ed grew up in Miami and graduated from Jackson High School.

Ed attended the University of Miami where he received his BBA and law degree. After graduating law school in 1960, he joined the firm of Smathers, Thompson, and Dyer. In 1962 he joined the firm of Nichols, Gaither, Beckham, Colson & Spence. In 1967 Ray Ferrero Jr. and Ed started their own law firm in Fort Lauderdale, Ferrero & Middlebrooks. He continued practicing law until January 2022 where he practiced with his son, Todd at their firm, Middlebrooks & Middlebrooks.

Ed was active in the Broward County Justice Association, serving as a past president. He was a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He was selected for membership in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, one of only 2 lawyers admitted at the time from the state of Florida. In 2007, he was selected as one of the 100 top trial lawyers by the American Trial Lawyer Association. He was also an active supporter of the Broward Christian Lawyers.

His greatest legacy is his dedication to his wife of 59 years, Barbara and his family. He was devoted to his Savior Jesus Christ and his church, First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale. He enjoyed summers at Lake Toxaway, NC and weekends in Key Largo. He is survived by his wife Barbara Wall Middlebrooks, his children Todd Middlebrooks and wife Daryl, Tracey Ridenour and husband Dana, and Dr. Scott Middlebrooks and wife Carrie. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Ty Middlebrooks and wife Anna, Adam Ridenour and wife Amaris, Jake Middlebrooks, Allison Ridenour Burklew and husband Luke, Heath Middlebrooks, Mackenzy Middlebrooks Boynton and husband Andrew, Rebekah Middlebrooks Stolle and husband John Nathan, Aaron Ridenour and Ben Middlebrooks. He has four great grandchildren…Jackson Ridenour, Reagan Burklew, Anna Ruth Burklew, and Adelae Ridenour. He is also survived by his sister, Claire Middlebrooks Crawford. He will forever be remembered for his generosity, humility, integrity, and care for the "least of these".

Edward's Memorial Service will commence on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 4:00 at First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale, 301 E. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home, 4061 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale.

It can be a great comfort to a grieving person or family to hear that others thought highly of their loved one, too. If you knew and admired Lee, be sure to let the family know by writing a few words in the "Memory" section of his obituary on the Kraeer - Fairchild Funeral Home website. www.KraeerFairchild.com