Col. Harold Arley Biddix

WEAVERVILLE—Lt. Col. Harold A. Biddix was born on February 15, 1938, in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, to Ziola and Arnce Biddix. Enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1956, he completed Officer's Candidate School in 1963 and retired as a Lt. Col. in December 1983. As a Regular Army Career Officer, he continued to serve his country when he was called back into active duty during Desert Storm and later served on an advisory board at Fort Bragg, NC. He began his career as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, served in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and was a Battalion Commander in the 82nd Airborne Division. He never lost his love of parachuting. He served his country proudly and with honor during two tours of duty in the Vietnam Conflict and one tour of duty in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Among the medals he was awarded during his career were the Meritorious Service Medals for Service in Vietnam and Cambodia, Expert Infantryman, Sharpshooter, Master Parachute, Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Joint Service Commendation, Army Commendation, Vietnam Campaign, National Defense Service, and the Bronze Star. Throughout his career he was stationed all over the world and was able to have his family accompany him to Kagnew Station in Asmara, Ethiopia; Bangkok, Thailand; Campo Darby in Livorno, Italy; SANG in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and Okinawa, Japan. Although he has left us, we retain our memories and the love of travel and respect for other cultures he taught us -- he gave us the world! Lt. Col. Biddix is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary; daughters, Sabrina, Tammy and Michelle; son, Clifford; grandchildren, Jocelyn, Bridget and Jason; sisters, Gail and Ila; and brother, Alan. www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com