Alton Midgette

Born in the quaint town of Engelhard, North Carolina, on June 7, 1946, Alton Midgette entered the world with a purpose as vast as the dreams he harbored. The youngest son of Johnnie and Agnes (Gibbs) Midgette, Alton—known affectionately as "Al," "Daddy," "Granddaddy," or simply "Brother"—was shaped by the values instilled by his phenomenal parents. Under their steadfast guidance, he learned the importance of faith, family, and fortitude.

Raised by his extraordinary parents, Alton’s foundation was built on the bedrock of devotion and wisdom. Faithful Hannah Baptist Church was his spiritual nursery, where the values of community and trust in God were instilled early by his deacon father and deaconess mother. From his father, Alton learned the art of entrepreneurship and the power of financial stewardship. From his mother, he drew inspiration for the qualities he would one day seek in a life partner: nurturing love, boundless strength, and grace.

Alton’s younger years saw him cultivating not just the land of his hometown but the dreams in his heart. Summers as a cook along the scenic North Carolina coastline offered him lessons in money management and opened his world to people of diverse backgrounds, foreshadowing the way he’d connect with others throughout his life.

He soared from home as a proud Eagle, earning his place at North Carolina Central University before answering the call to serve his country. As a soldier in the U.S. Army, Alton served in Saigon during the Vietnam War, returning home in 1969 with honor. His journey then carried him to Brooklyn, NY, where he began building his future.

Though his dreams didn’t initially align with his ambitions—like the time he auditioned to be a dancer at Fred Astaire Studios (unsuccessfully)—Alton’s determination never wavered. He found a wife in his high school sweetheart, Mary Lee Greene, and success in his career as a Real Estate Banker at Citibank, where he worked with diligence and distinction for 37 years, retiring at just 59 years old.

New York became Alton’s playground, a place where he thrived. He reveled in the beauty of the city, often walking from Brooklyn to Manhattan, embracing the music of the streets and the rhythm of life. His rich baritone voice could often be heard singing the songs that brought him joy.

After the passing of his beloved Mary Lee, Alton found new purpose in helping raise his cherished granddaughter, Angel, alongside his daughter, Aisha. In 2014, the trio relocated to Nottingham, MD, where Alton became involved in the Veterans community, spending his days surrounded by laughter, family, and the melodies he cherished.

In October 2024, Alton achieved a dream decades in the making: becoming a homeowner. It was a crowning moment in a life well-lived, but bittersweet, as just weeks later, on December 11, 2024, Alton passed away due to complications from Agent Orange exposure.

Alton’s legacy lives on in his devoted daughter, Aisha Midgette of Nottingham, MD, and his adoring granddaughter, Angel Midgette, both of whom carry forward his spirit of resilience and love. He is also survived by his devoted siblings, Helene Lyons of Williamston, NC; Willie Wallace (Patricia) of Queens, NY; Linda Bond (James) of Windsor, NC; Fred Johnson (Angelina) of Windsor, NC; Tempie Johnson of New Bern , NC; his beloved sister-in-law, Carolyn Greene of Swan Quarter, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

To have known Alton Midgette was to have witnessed a life lived with intention, grace, and kindness. His laugh was infectious, his wisdom profound, and his heart open to all who crossed his path. He will be missed, but his impact will endure in the lives of those he touched.

Rest well and great job, Alton!