Edward Lee Giddings

Viewing prior to service Wednesday 10:00 am. Edward Lee Giddings was born on April 15th, 1930 to William Howard Giddings and Linnie Ruth Hall.He was born and raised in Dallas, TX in an area he referred to as “Halltown” which encompassed his home, his grandfather’s country store and many cousins whom he enjoyed playing pranks with and being a bit mischievous! On one particular day there were two customers outside their grandfather’s store playing checkers.Unbeknownst to them, Ed and his cousins put together a contraption using tacks, wire, and a battery attached to their chairs which gave them quite a shock! Ed had a strong love of America and being patriotic and too young to serve during World War II he heard about a plea for dogs to be used as guards in the Army.He enlisted his beloved dog Butch and years after serving, Butch was discharged and to his surprise, sent back home to a very proud Ed. Finally at age 17 he was old enough to join the military and he enlisted with the Navy.The Navy sent Ed to Japan where he was employed at a warehouse.Being the true prankster and with time on his hands he forklifted his commanding officers beloved Chevy coup and placed it on the highest shelf.Upon his return and finding no humor in the situation, the officer angrily transferred Ed out of the warehouse to the nearby medical facility which turned out to be a dream job! While in the Navy he became fascinated with flying and upon his discharge he became a pilot. Years ago before technology, one had to start the plane on the outside by pulling down on the propeller to get it going.On one occasion Ed didn’t think it started when it had and he ended up in the hospital with a broken arm.Every time I went to see our family doctor for the next 20 years, Dr. Nelson would ask about dad and tell me the story about breaking his arm.Although crop dusting was his profession, Ed enjoyed the freedom and flexibility that flying low and acrobatically gave him.Many years ago he had a cousin that lived and still lives in the family house on Parker Rd. By law the neighborhood was considered a “dry area” and liquor could not be sold. Ed decided to attach a parachute to a six pack of beer and drop it off to his cousin.I heard the cousin appreciated it but his wife wasn’t too happy about it. In his later years he became a fixture at Whataburger in Forney.He would meet his friends over coffee and discuss current events and relive their younger days. Ed is survived by 5 daughters: Theresa & husband John Doane, Austin TX Catherine & husband Andy Hines, Austin TX Colleen Webb & John Dean Vierus, Austin TX Sandra & husband Keith (Flash) Dartez, Austin TX Monica & husband Kelly Martin, Greensboro NC Grandchildren: Ryan, Samantha, Alec Dartez Justin Webb fianc Melissa Buckner, Maegan Webb Emily & Olivia Martin Sarah, Noah, & Emma Hines Great Grandchildren Jackson Walker Webb Zoey Grace Sliva 2 Sisters: Rita Crenshaw, Donna Tomlinson & husband Harold Tomlinson Preceded in Death by son Richard Lee Giddings The entire Giddings family would like to give a huge heartfelt thanks to 3 of the most amazing friends Ed could ask for:Patricia Collins and RL and Robbie Banks. In lieu of flowers please make donation to “Wounded Warriors”