~ IN MEMORY ~
SO/NWA Capt. Daniel E. Whitfield
May 3, 1946 ~ July 21, 2013
Notification of the passing of SO/NWA pilot Captain Daniel
‘Danny’ E. Whitfield, age 67. Captain Whitfield hired on with Southern
10-16-1972 and retired with Northwest Airlines. He is survived by his daughter
Lauren and her family. Captain Whitfield had most recently resided at
1246 Spring Place Road, Rydal GA 30171.
Funeral services for Capt. Whitfield will be held at
10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, at the Woodstock Funeral Home Chapel, Woodstock
GA, with visitation the evening prior. Interment will be at the College Park
Cemetery.
An online guest registry will
be available at www.woodstockfuneralhome.com
Captain Daniel Ellis
Whitfield
Daniel Ellis Whitfield, a retired Northwest Airlines pilot, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2013 due to complications from cancer. Danny was 67. Danny was a gifted aviator, an avid sportsman, and a devoted family man. Cherished by his friends and adored by his family, everyone who met him loved him. His trademark grin and charming wit will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Daniel Ellis Whitfield, a retired Northwest Airlines pilot, passed away Sunday, July 21, 2013 due to complications from cancer. Danny was 67. Danny was a gifted aviator, an avid sportsman, and a devoted family man. Cherished by his friends and adored by his family, everyone who met him loved him. His trademark grin and charming wit will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Ellis Roosevelt Whitfield and
Shirley Scarbrough Whitfield, he was a graduate of Russell High School. At an
early age, Danny learned to fly airplanes and became a flight instructor. Danny
was a patient and kind teacher and his skill as an instructor later led to a
career in commercial aviation. Danny fulfilled his dream of becoming an airline
pilot and was hired on by Southern Airways in 1972. After a
merger, Danny later flew for Northwest. Danny covered the globe in his
international travels. He saw beautiful sights that few have seen, from high
above the clouds. He often spoke of the awe he felt in seeing the wonder of the
Earth from above.
After 34 years of service, safely transporting thousands
of people all over the world, Danny retired from flying. After retirement, Danny
continued to fly and his grandchildren loved seeing that yellow Piper Cub
"Poppy's Plane" buzz overhead. Danny was caring and generous and focused on the
needs of others. He put aside his career goals in order to ensure he had
sufficient time to spend raising the love of his life, his daughter, Lauren. He
spent much of his last years caring for his mother. He lived to make those
around him happy, always giving of himself, no matter the cost. Danny was a dog
lover and friend to animals in need. Danny supported animal shelters and donated
to help care for abandoned dogs. Danny will be dearly missed by his dog, Josie,
whom he took in and cared for as a stray, and his beloved grand-dogs, Millie and
Lulu.
Danny loved to hunt and fish. He was an excellent shot and
taught his family lessons on shooting. He went on several big hunts and his
trophies, including a giant bear, were enjoyed by hundreds who visited the local
hardware store near his home. He loved watching westerns and cowboy television
shows from his childhood. He enjoyed watching Georgia football, the Falcons and
the Braves and spent time with his family rooting for a big win.
Danny's favorite holiday was Christmas. He loved spending
Christmas with his family and took the most joy in making Christmas special for
his daughter and grandchildren. During the holidays, his home was always filled
with the warm sounds of Christmas music. On his last Christmas, he spent hours
with his grandchildren, watching the model train chug its way around the
Christmas tree.
Danny is survived by his daughter, Lauren Whitfield Ray,
and her husband Ryan, grandchildren, Margaret and Whit, his sister Janet W.
Harris, and her husband, Fred.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday,
July 27, at the Woodstock Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Russell Murray
officiating.
Interment will be at the College Park Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m., Friday,
July 26, at the Woodstock Funeral Home.
Woodstock Funeral
Home
8855 Main Street, Woodstock,
GA 30188
770-926-3107
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
Toys for Tots: http://toysfortots.org/donate/tribute-donation.asp
Published in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
on July 24, 2013
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