DL Capt. Larry Jay Farris

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Larry Jay Farris

January 10, 1937 - February 16, 2022

 

Our group has just learned of the passing of retired Delta pilot Captain Larry J. Farris, age 85.  Captain Farris joined Delta Air Lines 04-01-1963 and retired with Delta in 1997 based 030/DFW.  He is survived by his wife Karen and his children along with his granddaughter and grandchildren.

To view the obituary online and share memories please visit

https://www.restlandfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Larry-Farris-2/

Also available online at: Dallas Morning News - FARRIS, Larry

https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?artguid=0163ec46-fc5c-42a5-b721-c0185c1b81de 

For those who may wish to send a personal note, whitepages lists the family address as

7238 Briarmeadow Drive, Dallas, TX 75230.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary : FARRIS, Larry

"To fly west, my friend, is a flight we all must take for a final check"

 

Larry J. Farris took that flight west on February 16, following a brief battle with congestive heart failure and a broken hip. A lifelong aviator, he passed away peacefully spending his final days surrounded by his loving family.

 

A proud Texan he was born on January 10, 1937, in Sweetwater, Texas to Lanell and Morris Wilson Farris. He grew up in Dallas and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. He attended North Texas State University. Aviation became his passion at an early age, learning to fly at White Rock Airport, he flew airplanes before he could drive a car. Together with his stepfather, John H. Huett, he taught flying at Texas A&M University in the 1960’s. He served his country in the Air Force reserve, but when he was hired by Delta, he was one of the few civilian pilots.

 

His career with Delta spanned 34 years, flying most of the aircraft in the Delta fleet, and retired on the Boeing 757/767.

 

In addition to his career with Delta, he served the aviation profession in the field of Dangerous Good/Hazardous Materials - which involved what could safely be transported on commercial aircraft.

 

He served as Chairman of the Airline Pilots (ALPA) Hazardous Materials Committee and went on to become Chairman of the International Federation of Airline Pilots (IFALPA) Hazardous Materials Committee. By the time he retired, Captain Larry Farris, was recognized as one of the foremost experts on the subject within the international aviation community. He was awarded the prestigious Scroll of Merit in recognition of his contributions.

 

After retirement and a lifetime of travel, he enjoyed spending time in Colorado with family and friends.

 

He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, sports and dogs.

 

He loved his tri shelties - all named Lucky. At the time of his passing, he was up to Lucky IV.

 

Larry was a longtime member of the Park Cities Baptist Church.

 

He was predeceased by his father and stepmother Morris W. and Trudie Farris; mother and stepfather Lanell and John H. Huett.

 

Survivors include his loving wife of 47 years, Karen and children Mark Farris (Cyndi), Angie Wilkins (Brent) and Tracey Farris (Jimmy Wroblski), granddaughter Kim Lee (Nathan), and great grandchildren, Jessica and Garrett. He was also a special uncle to Keith Little and Shannon Edwards.

 

A Celebration of Life service will be held on March 11th at 2:00 pm at Park Cities Baptist Church in Ellis Chapel, Dr. Jack Martin officiating.

 

A family visitation will follow the service. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Park Cities Baptist Church, 3933 Northwest Parkway, Dallas, TX 75225 -or to a charity of your choice.

DL , ret. USAF Lt. Col. Richard John Silong

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL pilot, ret. USAF Lt. Col. Richard John Silong

October 7, 1965 – February 20, 2022

 

Notice of passing…..Delta pilot, USAF ret. Lt. Col. Richard “Rick” “Wyatt” John Silong, age 56.  Lt. Col. Silong joined Delta Air Lines 10-07-2001.  He is survived by his wife Gina and his children plus many more close family members.  Obituary information may be viewed online at

http://www.ridgecrestfuneralhome.com/obituary/richard-silong  

also at https://www.ridgecrestca.com/obituaries/lt-col-richard-john-silong-ret-wyatt-october-7-1965-february-20-2022/article_90a281a6-98dc-11ec-881e-3317606e1eda.html

For those who may wish to send a personal note, whitepages lists the family address as

125 W Franklin Ave., Ridgecrest, CA 93555-7692

 

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary : Lt. Col. Richard John Silong, Ret.  

Rick Silong, call sign Wyatt, was born October 7, 1965 in Northridge, CA to Peggy and John Silong.

He grew up in Palmdale, CA, attended St. Mary's School and Paraclete High School, and attended both the University of Idaho and UCLA on a ROTC scholarship. He graduated from UCLA in December 1987 with a degree in Aerospace Engineering.

 

He was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy on December 14, 1987. Rick received his wings of gold on May 11, 1990. He began flight training in the F/A-18 Hornet at NAS Lemoore and was assigned to the VFA-27 Chargers. He completed an "Around the Horn" on the USS Kitty Hawk, and was later deployed to support Operation Restore Hope and Operation Southern Watch, flying combat missions over Iraq.

 

He attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA for Spanish language training for his assignment in Barquisimeto, Venezuela for an exchange tour with the Venezuelan Air Force flying the T-2D and F-5. He returned to NAS Lemoore to VFA-125 for F/A-18 Instructor Duty. He served as Department Head in VFA-137 and made two Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf deployments on board the USS Constellation in support of Operation Southern Watch.

 

After 14 years in the Navy, Lieutenant Commander Silong executed as inter-service transfer from the U.S. Navy to the U.S. Air Force, accepting his new commission as a Major. Major Silong was stationed at Holloman AFB, NM, where he flew the F-117 Stealth Fighter. Upon graduation from the 7th Combat Training Squadron, he was assigned to the 9th Fighter Squadron.

 

Later, he became a Black Sheep with the 8th Fighter Squadron, where he deployed to Qatar in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom, flying combat missions over Iraq. During combat, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He then reported to Detachment 1, 53rd Test and Evaluation Group as Director of Operations and to perform operational testing of the F-117A. He assumed command of this squadron until the unit's inactivation in 2006.

 

Lieutenant Colonel Silong then reported to Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake with VX-9 as the F/A-19 Strike Fighter and Special Programs Operational Branch Head, where he served his final tour of duty, retiring May 1, 2011.

 

Wyatt served more than 23 years of honorable service in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force.  He is distinguished with the Meritorious Service Medal, three Air Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and other various campaign and unit awards.

 

After retiring from the Air Force, Rick flew for Delta Airlines, flying both domestic and international routes out of Atlanta, GA for a year before landing his dream job back here at China Lake. At the time of his passing, Rick was a developmental test pilot for the F/A-18E/F and EA-18G with Boeing. He was an Associate Technical Fellow with more than 5000 mishap-free flight hours and over 600 arrested landings. He loved his job and always said he was the luckiest guy alive. When he wasn't flying at work, he was flying his Bellanca Super Viking.

 

Despite all of his lifelong accomplishments, his greatest accomplishments were his two children, Garrett John (1LT, U.S. Army) and Paige Elise (Gonzaga University - GO ZAGS!). He also leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Gina, his mom Peggy Osterman and her husband Paul, his brother Mitchell and his wife Yoshiko and children Codey and Keannan, his sister Cindy and son Finnley, in-laws Keith and Edmee Hoyt, brother-in laws Jonathan and wife Liliana, David and children Jake and Ryan, niece Samantha and fiancé Moises and children Zoie and Nolan, Aunt Sue and daughter Cherie, Aunt Sally, Willa Dean Hunter, the Langford cousins, his four-legged children Dusty, Hamilton and Windy plus many other family and friends whom he loved dearly. He is preceded in death by his father, John Silong, his grandfather Richard Rybolt, and grandmother Betty Rybolt.

 

Rick's funeral Mass will be Friday, March 4 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church, Ridgecrest, CA. A reception will immediately follow in the Parish Center.  Flight suits are encouraged.

 

Interment will take place on May 18, 2022 at Miramar National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to St. Ann School, the Navy League, or the Ridgecrest Animal Shelter. We would like to thank E.R. doctor, Dr. Cho, for giving Rick additional hours to share with his wife, Gina. We are grateful to Fr. Jim, who stayed by Rick and Gina's side in the E.R the entire time. Rick was a registered organ donor and will give the gift of life through his donation.

 

Finally, the outpouring of love, support, kindness and food from family, friends, the military community, Boeing, and the community of Ridgecrest is beyond measure.

 

We cannot thank everyone enough. We are truly blessed.

DL Capt. Stephen Robert McGreevy

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Stephen Robert McGreevy

February 4, 1942 ~ February 28, 2022

 

Our group has received word that Delta Golden Wings and Delta Pioneers member retired Delta pilot Captain Steve McGreevy, age 80, has passed.  Captain McGreevy joined Delta Air Lines 09-30-1963 and was based Chicago and Atlanta. 

He is survived by his wife Dolores “Dee”.

Condolences may be sent to the family at

  25352 DOREDO DR

PUNTA GORDA FL 33955-4309

 

Death notice : https://www.news-press.com/obituaries

Stephen Robert McGreevy

Stephen Robert McGreevy, Punta Gorda 80, 28-Feb, Cremation-With-Care.

 

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

 

Capt. John W. Sulley Jr.

 *Please note correction:  John Wyman Sulley Jr., birth year is 1954.

DOB Oct 2, 1954

Thank you,

~ Carol.....................................................

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. John W. Sulley Jr.

October 2, 1954 - January 25, 2022

 

Notice of passing….retired Delta pilot Captain John W. Sulley Jr., age 67.  Captain Sulley joined Delta Air Lines 06-09-1988 and retired in May 2005…..see career background below obituary.  Captain Sulley is survived by his wife Sue and by his children plus many more dear family members.

Obituary information may be viewed online at

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/mercedsunstar/name/john-sulley-obituary?n=john-sulley&pid=201519874&fhid=30507 

 

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary : John Sulley, Jr.

October 2, 1953 - January 25, 2022

Salida, Colorado - John W. Sulley, Jr. passed away on 1/25/22 from complications of COVID, surrounded by family and love. He was 67.

Born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to John and Dorothy Sulley, John's family left farm country for Colorado when he was 12, making Colorado Springs their permanent home.

Just after high school, John met his future wife, Sue Walker, and their relationship grew when attending different colleges. At CSU, John was discouraged from continuing in the family business of agriculture, as they lacked a legacy farm or ranch. He switched majors to Industrial Arts and teaching. Open for adventure after college, he moved onto the Navajo reservation in Shiprock, NM to teach auto mechanics at the high school. Sue joined him, and in 1977 they were married in Colorado Springs, their vows based on an old Navajo ceremony.

From an early age, John felt "the need for speed" on the ground and in the air, including drag racing and pit crew work with fellow enthusiasts. He got his first pilot license at 17 years old. In 1978 he abandoned his American muscle cars for the first of his 5 Triumph sports cars. He never lost that love of sports cars and racing, still owning that same Triumph when he died.

After teaching in Shiprock, John followed his dream to go faster and fly higher by joining the Air Force. Sue, meanwhile, studied physical therapy at UNM in Albuquerque. After his training, due to his teaching experience and laid-back attitude, John was selected as an instructor pilot for new trainees at Vance AFB in Enid, OK. By this time, Sue had earned her PT license and joined him there, where they remained for three years.

John's next assignment was piloting KC-135's out of Castle AFB north of Merced, CA, to refuel bombers, fighters, experimental aircraft, VIP's and any aircraft needing fuel. John bought his own first plane in 1986 and upgraded to a Bellanca in 1991.

In 1988, he joined Delta Air Lines and for almost 20 years flew passengers around the US, Eastern Europe, Central and South America, and Canada. Working with so many pilots over the years, he found people he knew in airports all over the world. After retirement, he asked to be called Sulley as there were so many others named John. And when asked, he liked to say he was the "Real Sulley". During this time, John and Sue started their family, with the births of their daughter Caitlin and son Jeff.

After his retirement from Delta, the family stayed in Merced until Sue retired. Then they left the flatlands for the Rockies, moving to Salida in 2013. Here John enjoyed all that Salida has to offer - good friends, food, bars, outdoor sports, and music. John tolerated hiking with Sue and the Skikers, loved breakfast with the ROMEO's, telling stories of his flying years, his love of Formula 1 racing, skiing, and travels.

Always willing to help out neighbors and friends, he was the go-to guy for anything mechanical. John loved his kids and arranged fantastic trips and ski vacations for the family. He was a danger in super-soaker wars around the pool and alpine snowball fights. He was an avid and inventive cook and mixologist. Family and friends enjoyed his excellent dinners and cocktails. His grilled pizza was tops.

John faced and overcame several health problems in recent years, including cancer diagnosed in 2017 and some difficult neurological issues. He would urge everyone to get recommended colonoscopy tests.

John is survived by his wife, Sue Sulley of Salida, daughter, Caitlin Sulley of Dallas, son, Jeffrey Sulley (and wife Hannah) of Seattle, as well as his father John Sulley Sr, brother Chris Sulley, sister Janis Zarayasi, and sister Ann Sulley, as well as many Walker family members and so many friends around the US.

Thanks to the many medical teams that helped so much in the past few years. You took such good care of him and helped him continue to enjoy all of life.

If you remember Sulley, on October 2nd (his birthdate), raise a cocktail and toast this wonderful man, gone too soon.

………………………..

Delta Air Lines :

Jun 1988 - May 2005 · 17 yrs

LAX, NYC, CVG, SLCLAX, NYC, CVG, SLC

B727FE, B737-200,300FO,B757,767-200,300,400FO

B737-800,300CAPTB727FE, B737-200,300FO,B757,767-200,300,400FO B737-800,300CAPT

United States Air Force :

Aug 1979 - Jun 1988 · 8 yrs 11 mos

Vance AFB, OK Castle AFB, CAVance AFB, OK Castle AFB, CA

T-37 Instructor Pilot, KC-135 Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot

DL Capt. Charles James Gabriel

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Charles James Gabriel

January 21, 1930 - February 3, 2022

 

Notification with news of the passing of retired Delta pilot Captain Charles James Gabriel, age 92.  Captain Gabriel joined Delta Air Lines 04-30-1956 and was based Atlanta.  Captain Gabriel retired with 25+ years of service.  Widowed in February 2018 with the passing of his wife Jeanette, he is survived by his stepdaughters and their husbands. 

Captain Gabriel’s obituary is available online at   

http://www.moodyfuneralhome.com/obituary/charles-gabriel  and at

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/charles-gabriel-obituary?id=33445522

Obituary notes as per his wishes, no services.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary : Mr. Charles James Gabriel, age 92, of Zebulon, passed away February 3, 2022. He was born in Chicago, IL, son of the late Charles Gabriel and Libbie Kosatka Gabriel. Mr. Gabriel was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in the Korean War. He was a pilot for Delta Airlines for many years before retiring. He enjoyed building model trains. The trains and tracks took up most of his barn. He also built remote control airplanes and flew them at Candler Field in Spalding County. Mr. Gabriel liked to farm and take care of his animals.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette Gabriel and his brother Norman Gabriel.

He is survived by his step-daughters and their husbands: Jeanne and Terry Grant of Zebulon and Patricia and Dale Roberts of Warm Springs; step-granddaughter and her husband: Maggie and Matthew Raines.

Those who would like to make a donation in Mr. Gabriel's memory may do so to Coco's Cupboard at www.cocoscupboardinc.org or Noah's Ark at www.noahs-ark.org.

It was his wish to be cremated and no services are planned.

Published by Moody-Daniel Funeral Home on Mar. 2, 2022.

……………………………………………………………..

 

Jeanette Gabriel

October 17, 1945 - February 19, 2018

Mrs. Jeanette Bassett Gabriel, age 72, of Zebulon, passed away February 19, 2018, at Spalding Regional Hospital. She was born in Greenville, daughter of the late Webster Bassett and Maggie Ruth Abner Bassett. Jeanette enjoyed shopping and working in her yard. She was a good cook and especially loved her family……..

She is survived by her husband: Charles Gabriel; daughters and sons-in-law: Jeanne and Terry Grant of Zebulon and Patricia and Dale Roberts of Greenville; granddaughter and her husband: Maggie and Chase Duerr; brothers and sisters-in-law: Webster and Shirley Bassett and Lynwood and Lena Mae Bassett all of Greenville; sister: Loretta Bradshaw of Manchester; and several nieces and nephews……..