DL Capt. Otis J. “OJ” Greene Jr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Otis J. “OJ” Greene Jr.

August 25, 1940 – July 27, 2026

 

Otis Jarield Greene, Jr., known to all who loved him as O.J., was born on August 25, 1940 in Ellenton, South Carolina……………….

OJ joined Delta Air Lines 06-13-1966 and was based Atlanta.  He is survived by his wife Gina, and by his children and their families. 

 

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/snellville-ga/otis-greene-12982595

IN THE CARE OF

Eternal Hills Funeral Home, Cremation and Memory Gardens

 

Otis Jarield Greene, Jr., known to all who loved him as O.J., was born on August 25, 1940 in Ellenton, South Carolina. He lived most of his childhood in Charleston, graduating from St. Andrew’s High School.

Inspired as a young boy by a recruiting poster showing an F9 fighter plane launching from an aircraft carrier, he set his sights on becoming a naval aviator and fulfilled that dream by enrolling at Clemson University where he received an Associates Degree in order to meet the Navy requirement to enter flight school.

He entered Navy flight training in Pensacola, FL in 1961, progressing through every stage of the demanding Naval Aviation Cadet program before earning his wings and commission as an officer. On a weekend trip to Mobile, AL, driving his 1959 Chevrolet red convertible, he met Regina (Gina) Odom at Johnny’s Drive-In where he says that he fell in love with her right then and there. Gina and O.J. married on September 25, 1962 and were married for 64 years during which they remained deeply in love and had 3 children, Tiffany, Trey (O.J., III), and Jennifer.

As a naval pilot at his first duty station in Brunswick in 1963, O.J. experienced an in-flight fire and survived an ejection at 20,000 feet over the Atlantic. In 1964, O.J. flew the A-4 Skyhawk in the Blue Tail Squadron from an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Coral Sea, surviving enemy fire causing aircraft damage several times. He faithfully served his country during an historic eleven-month deployment— the longest naval deployments of its time. After completing his active-duty service, he continued flying as a Naval Reservist before beginning a distinguished civilian aviation career with Delta Air Lines in 1966. After 34 years of an honored and distinguished career as a pilot, he retired from Delta as an International Captain on the L10-11.

O.J. had the spiritual gift of service, and he took care of everyone. His Christian faith and Christ was the center of his life, and God used him in mighty ways. His love for family was evident from cooking pancakes for the family on weekends, to maintaining a horse farm for his kids and grandkids, to travelling with family and spending time together at his home away from home in Pensacola. He was warmly nicknamed, Honey Do because of the way he helped everyone with their to-do lists, and he could build or repair anything and everything, a skill he taught to his children and grandchildren. Known affectionately as PaPa to his 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, he spent countless hours travelling for college visits, sporting events, and horse shows.

On July 27, 2026, at the age of 85, O.J. peacefully joined the loving embrace of his Lord surrounded by his wife and three children. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love with a large family, all because 2 people fell in love.

O.J. is predeceased by his parents, Otis and Mary Green. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gina; his daughter, Tiffany Houston (Shane) of Buford; his son, O.J. Greene, III (Shannon) of Ridge Manor, FL; his daughter Jennifer Greene (Ray Tillery) of Madison; his adoring grandchildren, Kollin Houston (Matthew Tinahui) of Buford, Kolton Houston (Alexis) of Jefferson, Konnor Houston (Kalyn) of Woodstock, Kayleigh Greene of Athens, Peyton Greene, Parker Greene, and Caleb Greene of Ridge Manor, FL, Brittany Naude (Jimmy) of Statesboro; Brayden and Bryce Tillery of Madison; and his great-grandchildren, Harvey Houston, Hayes Houston, Charlotte Naude and Dylan Naude.

A graveside funeral service to celebrate and honor his life will be held in Snellville at Eternal Hills Cemetery in the Veterans Field of Honor on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Eternal Hills Funeral Home (770-972-3155) may be contacted as needed for flowers, or donations are appreciated in O.J.’s honor to his church, Cross Pointe Church (1800 Satellite Boulevard, Duluth, GA 30097).

DL Capt. Ken Vondrak

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Kenneth M. Vondrak

May 25, 1939  ~  July 25, 2026

 

Kenneth “Ken” Vandrak joined Delta Air Lines 2-3-1969 and was Chicago based.  Widowed in May of 2023, Ken is survived by his children and their families.

Private services have been held by the family.

PCN memorial site   

 

 

 

https://www.cremation-society.com/obituaries/Kenneth-M-Vondrak?obId=49321527 

 

Kenneth M Vondrak Obituary

Kenneth M. Vondrak, 87, passed away peacefully at his home on July 25, 2026.

 

Born in Chicago on May 25, 1939, at Walther Memorial Hospital, Ken was one of two sons of Frank and Marie Vondrak.

 

Upon graduating from Morton West High School in 1957, he studied Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Illinois before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1959.

 

A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served as a captain in the United States Air Force. His passion for flight continued into civilian life as he joined Delta Air Lines in 1969, and enjoyed a fulfilling career until his retirement in 1994.

 

On February 4, 1961, Kenneth married the love of his life, Patricia Riordan. Together, they shared 62 years of marriage until her passing in May 2023. As longtime residents of Tower Lakes, IL, Ken and Patsy built a home centered on the essence of family.

 

A devoted father to Amanda (Jan), Christopher (Patti) and Kevin, he was generous with his time, love, and support for both his children and his beloved grandchildren: Austen, Eleanore, Corinne, Connor, and James.

 

Ken enjoyed aviation and classic muscle cars, rare books and philosophy, and the music of Frank Sinatra. His intellectual pursuits culminated in writing and publishing his book, ‘Conception’, an endeavor that brought him great personal pride.

Preceded in death by his parents Frank and Marie, his brother Benjamin, and his beloved wife, Patricia, Kenneth will be dearly remembered and missed by his children, grandchildren, and all who knew him.

The family hosted a private interment in lieu of a service.

………………………..

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/dailyherald/name/patricia-vondrak-obituary?id=52051592

PATRICIA VONDRAK Obituary

BARRINGTON - Patricia Joan (Riordan) Vondrak passed away on May 1, 2023, surrounded by close family. Sadly, after a courageous 15-month battle with pancreatic cancer, Pat left this world too soon. Her passing leaves a gaping hole in the lives of everyone who was blessed to know her…………………..

 

 

 

 

WA/DL Capt. Keith Litke

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Keith Arnold Litke

June 19, 1947 ~ May 31, 2026

 

Keith joined Western Airlines 02-19-1979 and retired with Delta Air Lines based CVG/030.  Keith is survived by his wife Marsha, and by his children and their families.

For those who may wish to send a personal note, I see the Litke’s address listed in whitepages as

18922 Covey Ct., Grass Valley, CA 95949.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.hooperandweavermortuary.com/2026/07/17/keith-arnold-litke/ 

 

Keith Arnold Litke, 78, of Grass Valley, CA passed away peacefully on May 31, 2026 at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital.

Keith was born in San Mateo in 1947 and was the son of Raymond and Nadine Litke. He graduated from Mills High School in 1965 and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautic Operations from San Jose State University. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Air Force, where he spent 8 years as a Pilot, Instructor, and Aircraft Commander, including two years with the 1st Military Airlift Squadron. After separating from the military, Keith became a commercial pilot and spent 28 years as a Captain for Delta Air Lines.

He married his devoted wife Marsha Rodman Litke in 1970, and together they raised two children. In retirement, he found joy in golf, travel, and volunteering his time to causes he was passionate about.

Keith was a friend, mentor, and confidant to many. He will be remembered for his kindness, his unwavering generosity, his invaluable guidance, and the unconditional love and support he gave those he cared for.

To his grandchildren, Lucy and Grady, he was simply “Papa.” Though he lived far from them, distance never kept him from their lives. He logged on to watch their sports games whenever he was able, cheering them on from afar. The children loved him dearly.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marsha; his son Mark and his wife Deb of Needham, MA; his daughter Meredith of Minneapolis, MN; his beloved grandchildren, Lucy and Grady; his brother Lane Litke and his wife Gaby of San Diego, and their two daughters, Elisa and Sara; and his brother-in-law and dear friend Jack Favour of Grass Valley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings, Ken and Janis; and his sister-in-law, Renee Rodman.

DL Capt. Clifford I. Cole Jr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Clifford I. Cole Jr.

April 17, 1942 – May 24, 2026

 

Vesta was always by his side—his lifelong partner and co-pilot. #450……………….

 

Delta Golden Wings member retired pilot Captain Clifford Irvin “Cliff” Cole Jr. joined Delta Air Lines 04-09-1973 and was based Atlanta.  Cliff is survived by his wife Vesta, and by his children and their families. 

For those who may wish to send a personal note, I see the Cole’s listed in whitepages as

5691 Durrett Ct., Atlanta, GA 30338-2903.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sandy-springs-ga/clifford-cole-12899374 

 

IN THE CARE OF H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel

Clifford I. “Cliff” Cole Jr. passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

 

Cliff is survived by his wife of 60 years, Vesta Cole; his son, Cameron Cole; his daughter, Courtney Ingram; and his seven grandchildren: Emma, Ursula, and Estelle Cole, and Emerson, Everwood, Edgehill, and Echo Ingram.

 

After a brief courtship, Cliff and Vesta married and built a life together that spanned six decades. Through military service, airline careers, raising a family, and welcoming grandchildren, Vesta was always by his side—his lifelong partner and co-pilot. #450

 

A graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI), Cliff served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era, flying both the F-4 Phantom and F-106 Delta Dart. Following his military service, he spent 30 years as a pilot for Delta Air Lines.

 

Cliff enjoyed flying, golf, traveling, and spending time with family. His curiosity, love of learning, and appreciation for math and problem-solving were qualities he passed along to his children and grandchildren and remain part of the legacy he leaves behind.

 

One of Cliff’s favorite memories to share was flying high enough to see the curvature of the Earth while flying fighter aircraft. It reflected his adventurous spirit and willingness to explore beyond the horizon.

 

In honor of that spirit, Cliff’s ashes will be sent into space, allowing him to continue the journey he loved so much.

 

We love you, Cliff, Dad, and Pop-Pop. Thank you for the memories, the adventures, the lessons, and the love. Your legacy lives on through your family and the countless lives you touched.

 

He will be greatly missed and forever remembered. We love you!

DL Capt. Lee Tysinger

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. Lee Tysinger

July 8, 1939 ~ August 29, 2026

 

Lee worked for Delta Air Lines from 1968 to 1997 as a pilot….he served as the 727 and 767 Chief Instructor Pilot for 12 years…………..

Richard Lee Tysinger joined Delta Air Lines on his birthday in 1968 (07-08-1968) and was based Atlanta.  Lee is survived by his wife Elizabeth, and by his children and their families.  

PCN memorial site

To view the family photo gallery, please visit the online obituary site at

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/columbus-ga/lee-tysinger-13020543 

IN THE CARE OF Striffler-Hamby Mortuary – Columbus

 

Richard Lee Tysinger, 87, of Columbus, Georgia, peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Visitation will be held at Morningside Baptist Church, 6065 Morningside Dr, Columbus, GA 31909, Friday, September 4, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:50 am, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:00 am.

Lee was born on July 8, 1939, in Birmingham, Alabama to Lillian and Harry Tysinger. He graduated from Coral Gables High School in Miami, Florida in 1957 and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Auburn University in 1962. A few years later, on January 24, 1965, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Stewart, whom he has been married to for 61 years. Lee loved aviation and joined the United States Air Force to become a pilot. He became a Captain and flew C-130s with Mobile Air Command (MAC) in Vietnam and around the world. After leaving the Air Force, Lee began his career with Delta Airlines. Lee worked for Delta Airlines from 1968 to 1997 as a pilot. He also served as the 727 and 767 Chief Instructor Pilot for 12 years.

Lee served as a Deacon and youth leader at Concord Baptist Church in Concord, Georgia. He was also a choir member and Sunday school teacher at Morningside Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia. He volunteered with the Red Cross. He served at Flint River Academy as Chairman of Board and Fine Arts booster club founder. He also volunteered at Eagle Ridge Academy and Blackmon Road Middle School. Lee was an avid golfer, reader enthusiast and history buff. Lee made a difference to his family and those he came to know. He treated everyone he met with respect and dignity. He lived with integrity, unselfishness and was generous with his time, talent and resources. He loved the Lord and his family, especially his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lillian Tysinger and his brother, Harry Tysinger Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann Stewart Tysinger; his children, Robert Tysinger (Kelli) and Beth Tysinger Leary (Richard); his grandchildren, Sarah Tysinger Reynolds (Matt), Anna Leary Voltz (Bo), Jackson Tysinger (Hannah), Abby Leary, and Alex Leary and his great grandchildren, Ella and Piper Reynolds.