Capt. Andrew Arthur "Buddy" Midgett

Capt. Andrew Arthur “Buddy” Midgett, 87, of Morehead City, NC, died peacefully in his home on February 21, 2024.  

A descendant of the famed seafaring Midgett’s of the Outer Banks, Buddy was born in Southport, NC on October 5, 1936.  Like his forebearers, he was a waterman through and through. His father, Pete, was a Chief Bosun Mate in the Coast Guard who chased German subs during WWII. Buddy spent part of his early childhood in Rodanthe, a small village on Hatteras Island; he attended a one-room schoolhouse there for first grade. Though most of his growing up years were spent in Morehead City, Rodanthe was a second home.

Buddy married Norma Sally Swinson in December 1954 when he was 18 years old and a senior in high school.  They began their life together with nothing; he built their first set of furniture in shop class. Ten months later, they had their first child, Andrea Jean. Buddy supported his growing family by commercial fishing, working offshore for days at a time. He eventually moved to Norfolk, VA to become a deckhand on a tug.  It’s there an uncle challenged him to become a harbor pilot. Buddy educated himself at night with nautical maps, a compass, and a slide rule.  By the time he sat for his Pilot’s exams, he knew the material so thoroughly he was accused of cheating.

Buddy’s first piloting job was in Charleston, SC.  In his early 30s, he took a position at the Morehead City Pilot’s Association, eventually becoming Chief Pilot. He loved his work—with all of its challenges—and often said he would have done it for free. He held the job until retiring at the age of 70.

Buddy was a daydreamer who loved learning and liked nothing more than figuring out how to solve a problem. He had numerous hobbies, including writing poetry. He was a gifted storyteller who enjoyed a good laugh. He learned how to fly airplanes and taught himself celestial navigation. He clammed, shrimped, and fished.  With the help of church friends, he built Norma a home with his own hands. He grew corn and collards, bought a horse, kept honeybees, and raised chickens and the occasional goose. 

As much as Buddy loved all these things, he loved the church even more. A conversion to Christianity in his 20s changed his life, giving him purpose and direction. He was a man of great integrity, uncompromising in his beliefs. Above all, he taught his children that family is everything.   

Buddy was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Norma; sisters Betty Jo Baily and Ginger Yeager, and brother David Midgett.  He is survived by four children (Andrea, Andrew, Lynne and Linda) and their spouses, 13 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. 

His funeral will be held on Monday, February 26 at 11 a.m. at Open Door Baptist Church, Morehead City.  The visitation will begin an hour earlier, at 10 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to Open Door Baptist Church or Gideons International.  

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.