DL Capt. W. H. “Sam” Snead

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. W. H. “Sam” Snead

July 10, 1938 - June 1, 2026

 

A Life of Duty, Service, and Adventure……………………

Delta Golden Wings member and USAF retired Colonel William Howard “Sam” Snead joined Delta Air Lines 07-19-1965 and was based Atlanta.  He is survived by his wife Martha “Anne”, and by his children and their families. 

For those who may wish to send a personal note, I see the family address listed as

339 Plantation Crossing, Millbrook, AL 36054.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.legacy.com/legacy/william-snead 

Colonel William Howard “Sam” Snead
July 10, 1938- June 1. 2026

Service Information
Ridout’s Brown Service Prattville Chapel

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/prattville-al/william-snead-12911543
June 8, 2026
Visitation: 10:30 a.m. | Service: 11:30 a.m.

A Life of Duty, Service, and Adventure
Colonel William Howard “Sam” Snead, United States Air Force (Retired), passed away peacefully on June 1, 2026. A man of uncommon skill, warmth, adventure, and deep faith Sam lived a life defined by flight, fellowship, and a deep love of family. From the football fields of Virginia to the cockpits of supersonic fighter jets, he met every challenge with quiet confidence and a steady hand.
Born July 10, 1938, Sam grew up in Virginia and graduated from Covington High School in 1956. A gifted athlete, he earned a football and baseball scholarship to Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts Education — a foundation that served him well as both a craftsman and a teacher. It was at Virginia Tech that Sam also joined Air Force ROTC, beginning a journey that would carry him to the skies.
Following his commission, Sam went on active duty with the United States Air Force, where he distinguished himself as an Instructor Pilot at Craig Air Force Base in Selma, Alabama. His passion for flight and his gift for teaching were evident from the start, shaping young aviators with the precision, patience, and mentorship.
In 1965, Sam embarked on two parallel careers that would define the arc of his life. He joined Delta Air Lines and simultaneously became a member of the Alabama Air National Guard in Montgomery. Over the coming decades, Sam flew an impressive array of aircraft in Guard service — the T-33, RF-84, RF-4C, and F-4D — ultimately rising to become Squadron Commander of the 160th Tactical Fighter Squadron. He retired from the Guard in 1988 with decades of distinguished service to his name.
His airline career was equally remarkable. Sam flew for Delta Air Lines for over three decades, culminating in the role of International Captain on the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar. He retired from Delta in 1997, having carried passengers safely across continents and oceans — a fitting capstone to a lifetime aloft.
Retirement from the cockpit never dimmed Sam’s love of aviation. He remained active with the Civil Air Patrol and continued flying privately, keeping the sky close. An avid golfer, a faithful churchgoer, and a devoted family man, Sam embraced every chapter of his retirement with the same enthusiasm he brought to the cockpit. He cherished every chance to return to Virginia for family reunions and visits, holding fast to the roots and relationships that anchored him throughout his remarkable life.

Family
Colonel Snead was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Wilson Snead and Frenchie Wood Snead.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Anne Snead; his brother, Ronald Wilson Snead; his devoted children, Dorothy Snead McCullough (Alton), William Howard Snead, Jr. (Susan), Byron Kevin Mills, and Kristi Mills Jeffers (Tommy); his cherished grandchildren, Adam Mitcham (Anna) and Susan Renee Rollins, Thomas Blake Jeffers, Samuel Harris Jeffers, and Katherine Mae Jeffers; and his great-grandchildren, Jordan Mitcham, Parker Mitcham, and Dakota Delane Rollins.

A Legacy Remembered
Colonel William H. “Sam” Snead will be remembered as a patriot, a pilot, and a gentleman of uncommon grace. From his days as a standout football player at Virginia Tech to his final flights across the Atlantic, Sam embodied dedication, service, and a boundless love of life. His laughter, his stories of the skies, and his unwavering devotion to family and friends leave an enduring legacy in the hearts of all who were privileged to know him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his church, Coosada Baptist Church, 5687 Coosada Road, Coosada, Alabama 36020.

NWA/DL Capt. Jim Gregoire

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NWA/DL Capt. Jim Gregoire  

May 20, 1960 — June 2, 2026

 

Major Jim L. Gregoire, aka “Gargoyle,” United States Air Force, 66, of St. Petersburg, Florida…….

  James “Jim” Lee Gregoire joined Northwest Airlines 11-29-1999 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2025.  He is survived by his wife Bonnie, and by his children and stepchildren.

Jim’s most recent Florida address is listed in whitepages as

166 Banyan Bay Dr, Saint Petersburg, FL 33705.

 

PCN memorial site

 

To view the obituary, share memories and view more pictures please visit the funeral home website at   

https://www.altogetherfuneral.com/obituaries/anderson-mcqueen-funeral-homes/st-petersburg-florida/jim-gregoire/june-2026

Major Jim L. Gregoire, aka “Gargoyle,” United States Air Force, 66, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away on June 2, 2026.

Jim was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and spent most of his childhood in Whitefish, Montana. In his early years, Jim was an avid water- and snow-skier and a lover of music. He played keyboard in his high school band, Rosewood, and graduated from Whitefish High School in 1978.

Jim served 20 years in the military. He began in the United States Army as a Specialist 5 and was later promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2, earning his Army Aviator Badge, Expert Qualification Badge with M-16 Rifle, Expert Grenade Badge, and OH-58 rating. After five years of service in the Army, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where his career culminated in the rank of Major, flying F-16s. During those years, Jim proudly earned his Flight Safety Officer Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Ribbon, multiple Commendation Medals, and Short- and Long-Term Service Ribbons. He was deployed during Desert Storm, as well as to Cairo, Egypt, and Ramstein, Germany. Later, Jim was transferred to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where he earned his Safety Fighter Pilot Certification for F-16s.

After retiring from the military, Jim went on to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot. He began with Northwest Airlines in 1999 and retired from Delta Air Lines in 2025. Jim excelled in his career, but above all else, he was a devoted husband and father. He spent every minute of his free time supporting his children, whether coaching soccer teams, volunteering for the high school band, or attending every one of his son’s football games. He was a proud Gator dad who took every opportunity to wear orange and blue. Jim was a fan of noise, with a disdain for silence—he could not go five minutes without playing music. He was a jack of all trades, lovingly referred to as “Mr. Fix It,” regardless of the success of the project. Jim lived to entertain, bringing joy and laughter to every aspect of his life.

After his retirement, and between naps in his recliner, Jim traveled the world as a tourist, his love of flying always in his blood.

Jim is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his children, Nickolas, Kara, and Anslee; his parents, Phillip and Linda; his sister, Cindy; his children by marriage, Andrea, Lisa (Andrew), and Nathan (Anastasia).

May Jim’s memory always be a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jim's name to Homes for our Troops. You can make a donation by clicking here. 

NWA Stewart G. Lee, Director of Flt Ops

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF WWII veteran, NWA Stewart Gilmer Lee

November 21, 1923 - May 25, 2026

 

Following his military service, Stewart enjoyed a distinguished 40-year career with Northwest Airlines, where he served as Director of Flight Operations……………..

PCN memorial site

 

To share memories online and to view more photos, please visit the funeral home site at

https://www.washburn-mcreavy.com/obituaries/stewart-lee-3/#!/Obituary

Obituary for Stewart Gilmer Lee

Stewart G. Lee, age 102, of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026. The date was especially fitting, as Stewart proudly served his country during World War II and later advanced to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force, remaining deeply proud of his military service throughout his life.

Born and raised in Montevideo, Minnesota, Stewart graduated from high school in Vermillion, South Dakota, in 1941. He entered military service on June 11, 1943, at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and navigator in August 1944 in Hondo, Texas.

Assigned to B-24 aircraft with the 11th Bombardment Group, Stewart served in the Pacific campaign during World War II, flying long-range search missions from bases across the Pacific as Allied forces advanced toward Japan.

One of the most memorable moments of his service occurred on August 6, 1945, while returning from a mission over Japan. Stewart and his fellow crew members observed an enormous and unusual cloud rising in the distance. Upon landing in Okinawa, they learned they had observed the massive cloud created by the first atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Following Japan's surrender, Stewart and his crew flew their aircraft, the "Lady from Hades," across the Pacific on the journey home. After surviving an engine failure and a series of island-hopping flights through Guam, Kwajalein, Johnston Island, Honolulu, and finally California, they learned their faithful aircraft would be retired to the boneyard after carrying them safely home.

Following his military service, Stewart enjoyed a distinguished 40-year career with Northwest Airlines, where he served as Director of Flight Operations. He was an avid reader with an impressive personal library and rarely missed reading the daily newspaper. Stewart enjoyed playing cards, golfing, watching virtually any sport, and hunting for treasures at garage sales. Most of all, he cherished time spent with family and friends.

Stewart often shared stories of his wartime experiences, preserving a firsthand connection to a pivotal chapter in world history.

Stewart is survived by his wife of 10 years, Joyce Tibbs; daughter, Cyndi (Tim) Bothwell; daughter-in-law, Mary Lee; and bonus daughter, Alison (Steve) Caputo. He is also survived by grandchildren Bryan and Erin Bothwell, Patrick Healey (Nicole Heuer), Cindy (Tom) Blomquist, Valerie and Amanda Beery, Heather (Jeremy) Pendleton, Sean and Nick Pile, Chris (Cassie) Sanko, Shannon Sanko, and Jessica Sanko; great-grandson Michael Crosbie; bonus great-grandchildren Evan and Isabel Pile; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Wanda Lee; his son, Gary Lee; and stepdaughters Jana Pile and Jill Sanko.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 13, at Plymouth Lutheran Church, 11015 Old County Road 15, Plymouth, MN 55441. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be served following the service.

NOTE: Due to ongoing road construction in the area surrounding the church, guests are advised to take Hwy 55 to Revere Lane (go south) and then follow map directions to the church. Although some navigation systems may indicate that the road is closed, it is currently a passable dirt road and remains accessible to church visitors.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed on Plymouth Lutheran Church's YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@plymouthlutheran9757/streams

Military Honors and interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will be held for family members on July 15 at 9:30 a.m.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, family members, friends, and hospice staff whose kindness, support, and dedication helped Stewart remain comfortable and cared for in his home during his final years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to MACV (Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans), supporting Minnesota veterans and their families, or to Plymouth Lutheran Church.

"A life well lived leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and love him."

DL Capt. Jack Daniels Woodul

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, DL Capt. Jack Daniels Woodul

October 19, 1940 - May 20, 2026

 

Accomplished aviator, Vietnam war veteran, author, family man………..

Jack joined Delta Air Lines 12-04-1967 and retired with Delta based Dallas.  He is survived by his wife Carolyn, and by his two sons and their families.  Jack had most recently resided in New Mexico per whitepapers listing : 288 Bartlett Mesa Rd, Raton, NM 87740. 

PCN memorial site

https://www.legacy.com/person/Jack-Daniels-Woodul-61493381

Jack's Obituary

In loving memory, we honor and celebrate the life of Jack Daniels Woodul, who peacefully departed this world on May 20, 2026, at the age of 85. Jack was surrounded by the warmth of his beloved family in the comfort of his home, in Raton, NM a testament to a life filled with love and devotion.

Jack was born on October 19, 1940, in Portales, New Mexico, to Parker A Woodul and Ima Mae (Bobbye) Daniels Woodul. Jack carried the values instilled in him by his parents throughout his life, always cherishing family and duty above all else. He is predeceased by his father, Parker A Woodul, his mother Ima Mae (Bobbye) Daniels Woodul and his brother William J. Woodul.

May Jack rest in eternal peace, his spirit soaring high and free, just as he did in life. Educated in his hometown, Jack graduated from Portales High School in 1958. He then pursued higher education at the University of New Mexico, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.

With a passion for service and adventure, Jack gained a Naval commission as an Ensign in February 1963. He embarked on a distinguished military career, completing Naval flight training and serving as a carrier aviator and combat veteran of the Vietnam War. Jack continued to serve his country in the Naval Reserves, flying fighter aircraft even after his active duty concluded.

In 1967, Jack transitioned to a civilian career with Delta Air Lines, where he spent thirty proud years. His dedication and skill led him to the esteemed position of International Captain, from which he retired after a fulfilling career, having safely guided countless passengers to their destinations.

 

On January 5, 1962, Jack married the love of his life, Carolyn Volpato Woodul. Their union spanned an incredible 64 years, marked by unwavering love, partnership, and shared adventures. Carolyn survives him, along with their two devoted sons, Douglas Parker Woodul and his wife Amy, and Jon Christopher Woodul and his brother James E. Woodul (Lida). Jack’s legacy extends to his cherished grandchildren: Kaylie Elizabeth Woodul (Andrew), Austin Parker Woodul, Madeline Paige Woodul, and Parker Michael Woodul, as well as his great-grandchildren, Avani and Elio Luna Woodul, who brought boundless joy to his later years.

As an accomplished writer, Jack co-authored “Duel Over Douai: A Novel of First World War Aviation.” He also wrote “The Breaks of Naval Air: The Further Adventures of Youthly Puresome.” He was a featured contributor to the Hook Magazine of Naval Aviation. Also, he was a long-time runner and competed in many races and marathons.

DL Capt. Richard E. Ward

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Richard E. Ward

March 18, 1951 - November 9, 2025

 

Flying, the great outdoors, God and family: These were the four passions of Richard Ward…..

 

Richard Eugene Ward joined Delta Air Lines 08-24-1979 and retired with Delta in 2005 based ATL.  Captain Ward is survived by his wife Christine, and by his daughters and their families. 

PCN memorial site   

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/291710688/richard-eugene-ward

 Interment: Georgia National Cemetery

https://southcare-16518.meaningfulfunerals.net/obituary/richard-ward

Richard Ward obituary

Flying, the great outdoors, God and family: These were the four passions of Richard E. Ward, who passed away at age 74 on November 9, 2025. He was surrounded by the love of his life and their three daughters.

 

Son of Wayne and Violet (Redenbaugh) Ward, Richard was born on March 18, 1951 and grew up in Ralston, Nebraska as the youngest of four siblings. He attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha, which is where he met, courted, and married his bride of 51 years, Christine Branecki. Upon graduation, Richard immediately entered pilot training and served in the U.S. Air Force, where he flew KC-135s and RC-135s. Richard and Christine built a life together in Omaha, NE; Rome, NY; Euless, TX; and Marietta, GA. And he extended his aviation career beyond the Air Force when he took flight with Delta Airlines in 1979. After spending over 25 years in skies around the world, Richard retired as a captain in 2005.

 

Richard’s love for the outdoors flared when he saw the Grand Canyon for the first time while on his honeymoon with Christine. In the years that followed, he'd return again and again, bringing friends and family members to backpack, camp out in "God's country," and traverse trails so narrow that the memory alone makes his hiking companions sweat. He loved all the National Parks and would plan day hikes, backpacking trips, and RV excursions with anyone willing to adventure with him.

 

Throughout his life, Richard devoted himself as a disciple of Christ, serving faithfully as His hands and feet. Whether he was stocking the shelves of a local food pantry, packing boxes for Samaritan’s Purse, volunteering at his church, helping with construction projects at a camp for underprivileged kids, or teaching schoolchildren basic woodworking skills, Richard continually strived to meet the needs of anyone he could help.

 

 And no one benefited more from Richard’s acts of service than his family. Each one has been inspired by his legacy of assistance, humility, and compassion. They love and miss him deeply.

 

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Michele, his brother Jack, and his grandson George. He is survived by his wife, Christine; his children, Kari Mattingly (Tyler), Andrea Azuz (Carl), Julie Fortenberry (Ben); and nine grandchildren: Ella, Emily, Evie, Ty, Adelaide, Andrew, Aaron, Charlotte, and Will. He is also survived by his brother Jim and sisters-in-law Helene and Amy.

 

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on November 15, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to Mission Aviation Fellowship or Camp Grace.

 

Brought to you by Southcare Cremation & Funeral Society https://southcare-16518.meaningfulfunerals.net