Retired Air Force Col. Glenn G. Giddings Jr., adored and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, collapsed at his Fawn Lake home and later died at Mary Washington hospital on June 23, 2012.

He was born in Jacksonville, Fla., in 1937 and graduated from The Citadel in 1959 with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. His other education included the U.S. Naval War College; Carnegie-Mellon University; and the Air Force Institute of Technology.

Glenn is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife, Mary Ann McManis Giddings, whom he married after graduation in June 1959. They were married for 53 years. He is also survived by two daughters, Kim and Terri, who, with their husbands, Rob and John, provided them with eight grandchildren, Emily, Kelly, Katelyn, Tyler, Karissa, Kyle, Benjamin and Evelyn; and a great-grandson, Rey. Survivors also include a sister, Mary Giddings Outlaw, and her husband, Earl; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Glenn was preceded in death by his father, Glenn G. Giddings Sr.; his mother, Margaret Winter Giddings; and a brother, Charles Winter Giddings.

Glenn served 27 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 1986 as a colonel. Overseas assignments included Vietnam, Germany and Italy.

He is remembered for his strong leadership, dedication to country and devotion to those he served with. A highly decorated veteran, Glenn was recognized with the Defense Superior Service Medal at his retirement. In 2000 he was inducted into the Air Force Communications and Information Hall of Fame.

After retiring in 1986, he worked in the telecom and information technology sectors of industry, including 10 years as an independent contractor and consultant, before retiring for the second time in 1999.

The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 28, at Johnson Funeral Home, Locust Grove.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 29, at Lake of the Woods Church, Locust Grove. The Rev. Tom Schafer will officiate.

A service will be held at Fort Myer Chapel, with burial with military honors in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Fredericksburg Families of the Wounded Fund Inc., c/o Village Bank, Box 330, Midlothian, Va. 23113; or Fredericksburg's Young Life Ministries, Box 3545, Fredericksburg, Va. 22402-3545.

Online condolences may be made at johnsoncares .com.