He was born in Oakdale, Louisiana, the only child to Reverend Jack Holland Midyett and Helen Nelson. After his mother passed away when he was a young boy, his father remarried. He was raised as the son of Methodist minister and lived his life with the qualities instilled in by his parents. He went off to college at Louisiana Technical University where he met the love of his life. It was a love story often told of how he saw her across the cafeteria and told his friends that she was the one he was going to marry… even though she was dating someone else. He pursued her and convinced her to go on that first date. That was the beginning of an almost 59-year marriage. He was a member Kappa Sigma fraternity and she a Phi Mu sister… a match from the start. He married Wenonah Watts on June 1, 1962 the day after they graduated from college. They moved on to College Station, Texas where he received his Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1963 from Texas A and M University. He then proudly spent 4 years serving his country in the Air Force as a 1st Lieutenant, stationed initially at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio and then at Eglin AFB, Florida. During those years in the Air Force, he became a father to 2 daughters, Helen Michelle, and Lisa Gay. He had a long successful career as an engineer living in NY and PA and then finally ending his career in NC. During his time working in NC, he was awarded a certificate of appreciation by then Governor Hunt in recognition of dedication and outstanding service to North Carolina. He was also conferred with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Hunt for his extraordinary service to the state.
He retired in 2000 and thoroughly enjoyed his years in retirement. He bought a bass fishing boat and spent countless hours fishing at Falls Lake and Lake Butner. He could not just stop working so he started teaching at IT Tech because he loved to help people succeed. By this time, he had 6 grandchildren and was highly active in their lives. He was a math tutor to them (though all they wanted was the answer not the process that he insisted they learn). He was babysitter, confidante, friend, number one supporter in all their sporting events and extracurricular activities. He was their greatest champion. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He and his wife spent time traveling and visiting their many friends. They shared a love of sports and were avid UNC Tarheel football and basketball fans. He was a member of Soapstone United Methodist Church and was active in the choir, Men’s worship group and Sunday School.
Charles was described as someone with a big personality, a kind soul, generous, quick witted. He could show a stern demeanor at times but behind those bright blue eyes, he was always a teddy bear. He was fondly known as "Chuck" by his close friends, but he was, and always will be "Charles Lane" to his wife. He led by example and showed his daughters and grandchildren how to never quit trying and challenged us to be the best we can be. He was an excellent provider and planner and loved his wife and family with his whole being.
He is preceded in death by his parents Reverend Jack Holland Midyett and Helen Nelson and his step- mother, Willie C. Midyett. Also, his granddaughter, Holly Nicole Kuhn preceded him just recently and we find comfort in knowing she was there waiting for her grandfather as he was taken into the Lord’s care. He leaves his cherished wife of 59 years, Wenonah Watts Midyett and their beloved dog, Ms. Polly, whom they adopted in their retirement years. He is also survived by his daughters, Helen Michelle LaFuria and Lisa Midyett Kuhn and her husband Ken Kuhn. Charles has 5 surviving grandchildren, Megan (LaFuria) Smith and her husband Alex, Nathan LaFuria, Madison LaFuria, USMC Corporal Matthew Kuhn, and Mary Kendall Kuhn. He also has 1 great-granddaughter, Emory Grace Smith, 22 months. Charles knew he was going to be a great- grandpa again with Emory due to be a big sister in March 2021.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude toward all the staff at Renaissance Care Home at Traditions-Wake Forest where he spent his final days. Also, to his home health and hospice team from Medi Home Health and Hospice, specifically Kim, Heather, Matt, and John H. from the home health side and the hospice nurses during his final weeks, Ashley, Amber and John. Finally, he received such wonderful care from the staff of Right at Home-Raleigh while he was still able to be at home over the recent years. A few, notably Tasha, Doris, Kayla and Marissa, were with him consistently over the last year and we consider them part of the family. He was fond of each one who assisted in his care. Without everyone’s kind, compassionate support, we could not have managed to get through this difficult time. His wife, his daughters and grandchildren will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest. Always remembering the words, he would say as we walked out the door…. “Remember who you are."
A visitation for Charles will be held Monday, February 22, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC 27609. An outdoor visitation will occur Tuesday, February 23, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Soapstone United Methodist Church, 12837 Norwood Rd., Raleigh, NC 27613. An outdoor funeral service will occur Tuesday, February 23, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Soapstone United Methodist Church in the outdoor amphitheater space behind the church, 12837 Norwood Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613. A cremation will occur.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownwynneeastmillbrook.com for the MIDYETT family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18