Wayne D. Giddings

Captain

Winter Haven-Captain Wayne D. Giddings, USAF (Ret), passed away, at home, on June 21, 2011, after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Wayne was born in 1934, in Fullerton, California, to David and Doris Giddings. Their family relocated to Winter Haven, Florida in 1938. Wayne resided in Winter Haven all of his civilian life. Wayne graduated from Winter Haven High School where he played the alto saxophone in the band. As a teenager, he water skied at Cypress Gardens enjoying the challenge and fun of putting on a good show. After graduation from WHHS, Wayne attended the University of Florida where he and Dan Mann came to be lifelong friends. Wayne Giddings heard his country’s call, leaving U of F for Officer Candidate Training School in the United States Air Force. After receiving his commission as Second Lieutenant, he was assigned to a bomber wing, at Barksdale Air Force base in Shreveport, Louisiana. Captain Giddings flew missions with notable pilots including: Col. Michael McCoy, Col. Lloyd Wentworth and Gen. Ray Weigle flying Boeing’s big, swept-wing jet bomber, the B-47. These brave men protected our country during trying and frightening times.

While home on leave, Lt. Giddings, met the love of his life, Arlene Frances Newde; they married February 11, 1956. Arlene was Wayne’s beloved wife and best friend.

After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Wayne returned to Winter Haven with his family. He joined his father, David Giddings, in opening the first Holiday Inn franchise in Polk County, the Holiday Inn at Cypress Gardens, located in Dundee.

Wayne enjoyed a variety of successful ventures. He was a pioneer in the hotel related data processing business. He was a successful draftsman and builder, joining forces with Steve Huey to form Westwind Enterprises. Wayne also had a lifelong passion for growing citrus and lovingly maintained the family groves. He was a member of Dundee Citrus Growers Co-op, Haines City Citrus Growers Co-op and the United States Air Force Association.

“Mr. G”, aka “Big Wayne” was a patient mentor and an inspiration to many young people during his lifetime. He enjoyed a good joke and was a proficient storyteller. He and Arlene loved to entertain family and friends. His hobbies also included wood working, building model airplanes, waterskiing and gardening.

Wayne Giddings was preceded in death by his parents, David and Doris Giddings, his brother, Steven Giddings, and his beloved wife Arlene. He is survived by his sisters: Marylee Mannix of Madison, IN, and Virginia Kerst of Covington, KY. He also leaves behind three wonderful sons and spouses: Michael and Rebecca Giddings of Orlando, FL, Wayne and Jana Giddings of Winter Haven, FL and Steven and Lynn Giddings, also of Winter Haven. Wayne is also survived by eight beautiful grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly: Matthew Giddings, Rachael, Ford, Lindsay Giddings, Alexander Giddings, Hannah Giddings, Joshua Giddings, Hayden Norris and Lillian Giddings.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Good Shepherd Hospice would be appreciated.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.ott-laughlin.com