~ IN MEMORY ~
USMC veteran, DL Capt. Alvin ‘Al’ Pannell
February 16, 1943 ~ January 29, 2018
News has reached our group with the passing of retired Delta
pilot Captain Alvin F. Pannell, age 74. Captain Pannell joined Delta Air Lines
04-17-1970 and was based Atlanta. He is survived by his wife Judy, their
children and grandchildren.
To share memories online please visit the funeral home website
at
Captain Pannell’s obituary below notes that services are
planned for Saturday, February 3rd at First United Methodist Church, 980
Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, Georgia 30501, with reception to follow in
the Gathering Room.
Should more information be received we will be sure to pass it
along.
Thank you,
~ Carol for the PCN
Obituary............................ Alvin (Al) F. Pannell,
age 74 of Gainesville, Georgia.
Born February 16, 1943 – Passed January 29, 2018.
Al passed peacefully in his sleep on Monday morning. He was
preceded in death by his parents, Daisy and Reuben Pannell, and brother, Felton
Pannell, all of Marietta, Georgia.
Al is survived by his wife of 38 years, Judy Pannell of
Gainesville; daughter Liesl Pannell New, son-in-law Kevin New of Canton,
Georgia; daughter Lauren Pannell McBride of Marietta, Georgia; stepson
Christopher Soto and daughter-in-law Gina Arnone of Hillsborough, North
Carolina; grandchildren Austin and Jordan New, Brianna and Alyssa McBride, and
Sebastian and Emanuel Soto; sister Gladys Pannell Wyant and brother-in-law Joe
Wyant of Gainesville, Georgia; sister Kathryn Pannell Wooten and brother-in-law
William Wooten of Cartersville, Georgia; and three nieces and three
nephews.
Al graduated from Marietta High School and attended Emory
University. He left his pre-med studies at Emory to pursue his unbridled passion
for flying. As a pilot and Major in the United States Marine Corp., Al’s small
enemy reconnaissance aircraft was downed by enemy small arms fire on one of the
initial takeoffs from an improvised air strip in Khe Sanh, Vietnam. Barely
surviving this crash, he and his copilot were photographed by a battlefield
correspondent and one of the more dramatic photos of this incident quickly
appeared as the “Cover Shot” of Life Magazine. For his gallant efforts, Al
received the Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Defense Medal, and many other
accolades and medals of valor recognizing his courage and distinguished service
while on active duty, as well as his continuing service to his country as an
active flier for the Marine Corp Reserves. He joined on August 4, 1964 and
retired from the air reserves in 1981. Al’s flying skills earned him a rewarding
career flying for Delta Airlines, where he flew both domestically and
internationally, retiring after 32 years as a valued and acclaimed Delta
Captain.
Befittingly known to his family and friends as “Big Al”, he is
known for his huge heart, his sizable sense of humor and extensive lust for
life. To his adored grandchildren, he is known as simply “Uumpa.”
Al sought the exhilaration and reward presented by a good
challenge. He never ceased moving forward in learning and mastering new
passions, hobbies or interests. Following his retirement from Delta and raising
Chianina cattle, he researched, studied and mastered the art of Bonsai
gardening. In the same vein, he became a Master Gardener with the Hall County
Master Gardeners Association. Pursing other creative endeavors, he became a true
artist and accomplished wood turner. As an avid golfer, he developed “game” and
enjoyed playing in several groups associated with the Chattahoochee Country
Club. On a spiritual side, both he and wife Judy loved their Aldersgate Sunday
School Class at First United Methodist Church. To round out his already
exceptional set of “people skills,” Al was a beloved member of his weekly coffee
clubs including fellow Marines, Delta pilots, and Sunday School
friends.
Along with Al’s wife and his family, Memorial Park North
Riverside Chapel has scheduled a celebratory service of Al’s life beginning at
11:00am on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church, 980
Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, Georgia 30501. A reception will follow in the
Gathering Room.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Eagle Ranch (
5500 Union Church Road, Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542), CASA (603 Washington
St. SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501), or Family Promise (1001 Riverside Drive
Suite B, Gainesville, Georgia 30501).
Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive,
Gainesville, Georgia 30501. 770-297-6200.
