NAL/PAA/DAL Captain Billy Ray Wilson Jr.

           

-IN MEMORY-

NAL/PAA/DAL Captain Billy Ray Wilson Jr.

DOB July 20, 1951      DOH April 16, 1979      DOD Sep 24, 2019

Billy Ray Wilson, Jr., 68, resident of Mandeville, Louisiana departed this life on Tuesday, September 24, 2019. Please join us in saying prayers for the family.

https://www.affordablefh.com/notices/Billy-WilsonJr

Many thanks to Joe Cushing, Alan Gee, Dick Hammerlund and Lin Oakley for help in tracking down confirmation of Billy's passing. He was a superb pilot, a good friend and fun to be with.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Obituary site :  Billy Ray Wilson, Jr.

JULY 20, 1951 ~ SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 (AGE 68)

Billy Ray Wilson, Jr., 68, resident of Mandeville, Louisiana departed this life on Tuesday, September 24, 2019.

Service arrangements are not yet known.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

Update Oct.7............................

Billy R. Wilson, Jr.

July 20, 1951 - September 24, 2019

Obituary online link:  https://obits.nola.com/obituaries/nola/obituary.aspx?n=billy-r-wilson&pid=194088904&fhid=17430

Funeral home link: https://www.muhleisen.com/obituaries/Billy-Wilson-22/

Billy R. Wilson, Jr. 68, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2019. He was a native of New Orleans and a resident of Mandeville, Louisiana. Beloved husband of Lisa Granberry Wilson. Loving father of Stephanie W. Wilson (Jack) and Patrick R. Wilson (Tiffany). Stepfather of Christy Hebert, Justin Mayberry and the late Cori Mayberry. Grandfather of Katie Wilson and Sara Wilson. Son of the late Wildeth "Chris" Wilson and Billy R. Wilson, Sr. and brother of Melissa W. Hymel (Richard) and Leslie W. Chaix (Richard). Uncle of Gabrielle Chaix. Grandson of the late Ernest and Inez Henson. Also survived by his beloved dog, Jazz. Billy was a 1969 graduate of Holy Cross High School and received an Aviation degree from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana. He was a retired Captain of Delta Airlines and a former pilot of Pan Am and National Airlines. Billy loved spending time with his family and friends and was very involved in his neighborhood of Driftwood Park Subdivision. He was a lifelong New Orleans Saints fan, avid golfer and angler. Billy will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. To share memories or condolences visit www.muhleisen.com

                     

NWA/DL pilot John Hong

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NWA/DL pilot John Hong

DECEMBER 20, 1960 ~ SEPTEMBER 16, 2019

Notification with the passing of Northwest/Delta pilot F/O John Hong, age 58.  John joined Northwest Airlines 10-14-1988.  He is survived by his wife Mary and their 12 year old twins Rain and Kai.

Obituary information and guestbook is available online at the funeral home website:

https://www.daviswatkins.com/notices/John-Hong 

Also at

https://obits.nwfdailynews.com/obituaries/nwfdailynews/obituary.aspx?n=john-hong&pid=193924154&fhid=41661

The obituary notes that arrangements have been entrusted to Davis-Watkins Funeral Home of Miramar Beach, Florida.  Services for John will be September 19^th at Saint Rita's Catholic Church, 137 Moll Dr, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, followed by a catered reception.  Please see more details below.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

Obituary……………John Hong, 58, of Destin, FL, passed away at home on Monday, September 16, 2019, surrounded by his family after a long journey with cancer. John was born in Dobb's Ferry, NY, on December 20, 1960 and grew up in New Jersey and Orlando, FL. John was preceded in death in 2004 by his father Theodore Chin Hong and in 2012 by his mother Seouhee ""Sue"" (Kim) Hong. John is survived by his wife and partner of 27 years Mary (Schmiedicke) Hong and by their twin children Rain Hong and Kai Hong, age 12. He is also survived by his brother Robert of Tokyo, Japan, and many aunts, uncles and cousins in the United States and Korea. John served as a Captain in the United States Air Force and flew the KC-135 Sratotanker between 1981 and 1988 and was recognized by the 22nd Air Refueling Squadron for outstanding service. After his time in the service, John became a First Officer with Northwest Airlines and then Delta Airlines, flying internationally and serving two terms as a representative in the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). John enjoyed traveling the world and most especially the camaraderie of his fellow pilots and crews. The highlight of John's career was being based in Honolulu for 14 years flying wide-body trips to Asia and beyond. He and Mary formed lifelong friendships and memories during their time there.

John's greatest sources of pride were his children Kai and Rain who brought him endless entertainment and joy. He bore his responsibility as a father nobly and gave great attention to their care, education, artistic pursuits, hobbies, and happiness. When they were babies, John would jokingly refer to his children as ""food-to-noise converters"" but was amazed as they developed into talented pianists and artists, chess whizzes, card sharks, sailors, and funny, bright-hearted, gifted souls. He loved them as true angels in his life and the one thing on planet earth he wasn't quite ready to leave. The painful stages of John's journey were brightened not only by his children and amazing friends who became his caregivers at home but also by the humor and dedication of his colleagues and friends, the real and virtual co-pilots from his professional and personal life who became the quickest and surest sources of laughter for him on the darkest days.

John was an avid collector of electronic gadgets and was proud that his bargain-hunting frugality provided gifts for his generous spirit to share with many grateful recipients. He truly enjoyed taking care of friends and family in every way with dinners out, lively conversation, genuine interest in our goings-on, with his wit and wisdom throughout. John's family extends their heartfelt thanks for the compassionate and professional care he received from Dr. Mose Hayes and his staff at Sacred Heart Oncology; Dr. Kasi at the Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville; Alyssa, Tracey and staff at Emerald Coast Hospice; and Katherine and staff at Destin Health Care and Rehabilitation. The care and humanity you showed John and his family were exceptional and a blessing to us.

We will remember John for his strong sense of justice, his folly in pointing out the idiosyncrasies (idiocies) in the world around him, his love and pursuit of good sushi, good massages, and anything related to his second-home Hawaii, especially his expansive Hawaiian shirt collection. John brought us all humor with his dry sarcasm, comfort of the pure generous heart sort, gadget advice, a few conspiracy theories, and, when he beat you in a verbal spar, the purest smile of simple joy at winning the argument. Dearest John, we miss you already. Aloha. Mahalo. A hui hou.

Arrangements are being coordinated with Davis-Watkins Funeral Home in Miramar Beach. Services for John Hong will be Thursday, September 19 at 11 am at Saint Rita's Catholic Church, 137 Moll Dr, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, followed by a catered reception and celebration of life that same day from 4:30 to 6:30 pm at Pavilion F at Henderson State Park in nearby Destin, FL. Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops welcome. A burial service will be held in Hawaii in November.

An education fund has been established for John's children at https://www.gofundme.com/f/hong-children-scholarship-fund?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet

Please visit www.daviswatkins.com  to sign the guestbook, express condolences and share memories.

Barbara Ann Schwartz, widow of NWA Capt. Eugene Schwartz

~ IN MEMORY ~

Barbara Ann Schwartz, widow of NWA Capt. Eugene Schwartz

December 22, 1930 ~ July 25, 2019

Notification with the passing of Barbara Ann Schwartz, a former Northwest stewardess and the widow of Northwest Airlines Captain Eugene Schwartz who passed in September 2008.  Barbara’s obituary information is available online at

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?n=barbara-ann-schwartz&pid=193909667

As well, both obituaries appear below.

Per Barbara’s request, there was no funeral service. As noted below, a celebration of life event is planned for Sept. 22 at her son’s home in north Seattle, Washington.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

Obituary……………Barbara Ann Schwartz

Born on December 22, 1930, Barbara - not Barb! - passed away gently and quietly on July 25 at an adult family home in Seattle. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, she was her high school valedictorian. At 21, in an act of considerable bravery, she broke from a complicated family environment, caught a train for Minneapolis, and became a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines. It was fate, she said, that led her to meet Captain Eugene Schwartz on a DC-3 flight out of Portland. They married two years later and celebrated 53 anniversaries prior Gene's passing in 2008. Early on, they lived in a variety of places from Minneapolis to Tokyo. Their son Douglas was born in Seattle in 1961. By 1966 they settled in what became the family home Mercer Island (apart from a year spent in Burma). The 1950s were a different era, and Northwest's company policy at the time required Barbara's retirement after marriage. She devoted herself to a wide variety of volunteer efforts, particularly at the Seattle Art Museum and later in local Republican politics (had she been aware she would have been deeply appalled by the current administration). A person of strong opinion, she was widely read and even more widely travelled. While a devastating stroke combined with dementia effectively took away her last five years, Barbara enjoyed a long, interesting, and blessed life - she would have been the first to say so. She was beautiful, graceful, elegant, and loving. Above all, and to her core, she was kind. Barbara is survived by her son Doug, her daughter-in-law Lejla, and her cherished granddaughter Lara. At her request there was no funeral service. Friends are invited to celebrate her life from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, at Doug and Lejla's home in North Seattle. Remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America or the American Stroke Foundation.

Eugene Schwartz, age 92

February 7, 1916 ~  September 15, 2008

Born on February 7, 1916, Gene died peacefully at home on September 15 following a brief battle with brain cancer.

He was raised in Chicago and graduated from high school at 16 during the depth of the Depression. He went to work immediately at whatever job he could find. In 1935, he enrolled in a local junior college. The college offered a civilian aviation program where he learned to fly. He continued to work and go to school when he could, eventually graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in management.

After receiving his private and commercial licenses, as well as instrument and instructor ratings, he worked as a flight instructor and crop duster. In 1945, Gene was hired by Northwest Airlines. His 32-year career with the airline began on DC3s and ended with his retirement as a 747 captain.

Following retirement Gene audited numerous history courses at the University of Washington, specializing in Central Europe, the Middle East and India.

Few people were aware that Gene had been an accomplished musician in his youth on oboe and violin. He maintained an abiding affection for classical music, especially the works of Mahler, Berlioz and Mozart.

He was a champion bridge player and 50-year life master. His interests also included travel, photography, and, beginning at age 79, computers.

Gene is survived by Barbara, his wife of 53 years, son Doug and his wife Lejla, and granddaughter Lara, whom he adored, as well as many friends.

As he said on many occasions during the last weeks of his life, "I had the best job, I traveled the world and I had a family who loved me. I had a great life."

At his request there will be no services.

NWA pilot Burton Bradford Jones

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, NWA pilot Burton Bradford Jones

March 6, 1945 ~ August 24, 2019

Resident of Fishers, Indiana

Notification with the passing of retired Northwest Airlines pilot Mr. Burton Bradford Jones, age 74. 

Linked profile page information notes that he joined Northwest in Dec. 1989 and retired in June 2006: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/burton-jones-55712474

Obituary information is available online at

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/eastbaytimes/obituary.aspx?n=burton-bradford-jones&pid=193888972

Should more news be received we will be sure to pass it along.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

Obituary………… Burton Bradford Jones

Burton Bradford Jones, 74 of Fishers, Indiana, passed away August 24, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was the son of the late Dr. Francis and Marjorie Jones of Kensington, California. Burton grew up in Kensington California, attended El Cerrito High School, UC Berkeley and San Jose State College before entering the military where he spent 20 years in the Air Force as a pilot. He served in Viet Nam flying KC-135 Supertankers. While in the military he and his family lived variously in Maine and Spokane, Washington.

After his retirement he went to work for Northwest Airlines. As a pilot for Northwest, Burt enjoyed telling his passengers about prominent geographic features, and their historic importance, that could be seen during the flight.

The family moved to Cannon Falls, Minnesota and established a horse farm, owning and boarding several horses. Burt's love of horses began as a teenager at Kennolyn Camp in the Santa Cruz mountains of California where he was first a camper and later a camp counselor and equestrian instructor. Upon retiring from Northwest he and Sherry sold their horse farm in Minnesota and moved to Indiana to be closer to family and keeping their horses nearby.

As a youth, Burt enjoyed building a large collection of model planes and continued as an adult, building and flying his model gliders. Burt was a keen observer of nature (an unavoidable trait given being born into a family of both amateur and professional ornithologists, geologists and botanists) and enjoyed identifying local birds. He had bird guides close at hand to learn to name of new-comers to his rather elaborate feeders. He and Sherry could always be found with at least one Jack Russell terrier dancing around their ankles.

Burt was an active board member of the North Avalon community and went door-to-door encouraging his neighbors to participate in the HOA. He was interested in the possibility of electronic voting to increase participation. He was also a member of the Fishers Volunteer Police Department. Burt was always ready to help out his friends and neighbors with home projects and acts of kindness.

Burton is survived by his wife Sherry of 43 years, daughter Denise Jones, son Joey (Jenny) Jones, sisters Emily (Brian) McKibben and Dorothy Robinson, grandchildren Samantha (Daniel) Courtemanche, Zachary Wareham, Katelin Wareham, and Kelsey Jones, two great grandchildren Tristen and Hunter Courtemanche, along with several cousins. Burton was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend to everyone he met. We will miss him.

A special thank-you to Jean Ross with Kaybee for all her help and support during this difficult time.

PAA/DL pilot Lt. Colonel Daryl Gene Hubbard

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, PAA/DL pilot Lt. Colonel Daryl Gene Hubbard

August 27, 1936 ~ August 29, 2019

Notification with the passing of retired Pan Am/Delta pilot Lt. Colonel Daryl Gene Hubbard, age 83.  Lt. Col. Hubbard joined Pan American 05-08-1967 and retired with Delta Air Lines, S/O based ATL/031.  Lt. Col. Hubbard’s first wife Faith passed in 1997.  He is survived by his children and his wife Rev. Connie Murray Ichord plus many other family members.

Please see obituary and available information below.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

Obituary……………. LTC Daryl Gene Hubbard

BIRTH   :  27 Aug 1936

Stillwater, Payne County, Oklahoma

DEATH  :  29 Aug 2019 (aged 83)

Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma

BURIAL  :  Fairlawn Cemetery

Stillwater, Payne County, Oklahoma  PLOT ..1A4-7-20

MEMORIAL ID        202582863 ·

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/202582863/daryl-gene-hubbard

Lt. Colonel Daryl Gene Hubbard was born in a boarding house on Duck Street in Stillwater, Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl. It was a hot and dusty summer day on August 27, 1936 when Daryl was born to Alita Winifred Poindexter Hubbard and Dr. Gene Hubbard. Lt. Col. Hubbard made his transition to Heaven on August 29, 2019 leaving the world with the fabulous smile that he had all 83 years of his life. Most of his life he was mistaken for Robert Redford. His strong faith and encouraging personality would go with him in battle later on in life. This came from his deep roots growing up in the Church of Christ in Stillwater. Daryl was a proud graduate of Stillwater High School Class of 1954. He played trombone in the band and had remained a leader in his Class reunions with his dear High school friends. Daryl received his degree in Chemistry from Oklahoma State University in 1958. He was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He thought he wanted to be a doctor like his father, but realized quickly that his passion would be flying. Daryl loved America and strongly believed that serving our country was the greatest honor in his life.

Daryl joined the Air Force and was on active duty from 1958 to April 1967. He flew 306 combat missions in Viet Nam and 450 combat hours in the F100. Daryl was in the Oklahoma Air National Guard from 1974 to June 1985. He flew the T-34, T-28, T-33, F-100-C, D, F models and the last aircraft flown was A-7D Corsair-military. Civilian aircraft flown: B-707, B-727, Lockheed L-1011, Airbus A-300 and A-310. Daryl was a pilot for Pan American Airlines out of San Francisco from 1967-1991. Delta Air Lines from 1991 to 2003. Lt. Col. Hubbard was awarded numerous medals but the one he was most proud of was the Distinguished Flying Cross. This medal is for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight. Daryl was active in the German American Society Blaskapelle Band. He also served as President of the Silver Beavers guard retirement group and was a member of First United Methodist Church.

Daryl was preceded in death by his wife, Faith Blunt Hubbard; his parents, Dr. Gene Hubbard and Mother Winifred Hubbard Tillman. He is survived by his sons, Bryan Hubbard (Julie) Seattle, WA and Dr. Bret Hubbard (Rebecca) from Bixby, OK. He is survived by his wife, Rev. Connie Murray Ichord of Tulsa, OK. He is also survived by his siblings, Dr. Richard Hubbard, Ft. Worth, TX. Patrick Hubbard (Cindy), Kansas City, MO, Dinah Edwards (Gary), Seattle, WA, Angela Lauffenburger (Ken), Dallas, TX and Stephen Tillman (Bonnie), Oklahoma City. He is also survived by step-daughters, Stephanie Ichord Berg (Alan), Hulbert, OK and Gretchen Ichord Manfredi (Matthew), White Plains, NY. Daryl had 9 granddaughters that were the light of his life. Abigail Hubbard and Bridget Hubbard, Seattle, WA; Braigen Hubbard, Mikayla Hubbard, Katrina Hubbard, Emillia Hubbard and Annalea Hubbard, Bixby, OK; Madelene (Maddie) Manfredi and Anna Manfredi, White Plains, NY. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved and admired their Uncle D. They were all proud of his military service and always took an opportunity to share about their Uncle Daryl and stories about many of his missions.

The family will receive friends 5-7 P.M., Monday, September 9th, at the Ninde Brookside Chapel. We will celebrate the life of this extraordinary hero on Tuesday, September 10th, 10:30 A.M. First United Methodist Church. He will be laid to rest at Fairlawn Cemetery in Stillwater, OK.

Contributions in Daryl's memory may be made to either The Coffee Bunker: A place for veterans to connect, 6365 E. 41st St., Tulsa, OK 74135 Attn: Elden Hoffman or FUMC Camp Friendship or FUMC Sanctuary Celebrations, First United Methodist Church, Attn: Jessica Moffatt, 1115 S. Boulder Ave., Tulsa, OK 74119.

Ninde Brookside Chapel 918-742-5556 www.ninde.com

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/115726337/faith-martha-hubbard

Faith Martha Blunt Hubbard

BIRTH :  3 Dec 1940

Bisbee, Cochise County, Arizona

DEATH : 29 Apr 1997 (aged 56)

Tulsa, Tulsa County, Oklahoma

BURIAL : Floral Haven Memorial Gardens

Broken Arrow, Tulsa County, Oklahoma

MEMORIAL ID        115726337

WC/RW/NWA Capt. Captain Ben K. Aspen

~ IN MEMORY ~

Military veteran, WC/RW/NWA Capt. Captain Ben K. Aspen

September 12, 1927 ~ August 20, 2019

Notification with the passing of retired West Coast/Hughes AirWest/Northwest pilot Captain Benjamin Kenneth Aspen, age 91.  Captain Aspen first joined West Coast Airlines 09-25-1952, made the various mergers, and retired with Northwest Airlines.  He is survived by his wife Barbara.

To view the obituary and sign the online guestbook please visit

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?n=ben-k-aspen&pid=193848712

A celebration of life will be held at the Seattle Yacht Club on September 17th from 1:00-3:00 PM.

Location:  Seattle Yacht Club,  1807 East Hamlin Street, Seattle WA 98112.

For those wishing to send a personal note, whitepages lists the Aspen residence as

1900 Alaskan Way Apt 207 ,  Seattle WA 98101-1065

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

Obituary…………… Captain Ben K. Aspen

Ben was born and died in Seattle's Swedish Hospital just shy of his 92nd birthday. He was the son of Norwegian immigrants, Ben and Borghild Aspen and big brother to sister, Marilyn. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Barbara, sister Marilyn Wilkins, daughter Ann (Chris), son Gib (Liz) and 2 grandsons, Stefan and Nigel who dearly loved their "FarFar".

A pivotal life event for Ben was spending his 7th and 8th year in Alesund, Norway with his mother and young sister while his father was plying Alaskan waters as a ship captain for Alaska Steamship Company.

He was captivated by Charles Lindbergh at a young age and pursued his love of aviation. Ben served in the Marines where he flew domestically. Then he became a commercial airline pilot for West Coast Airlines ultimately retiring as a Captain from Northwest Airlines after 37 years of service.

Ben also loved the water, spending time with his family on Puget Sound, living in Gig Harbor, Kauai Hawaii and finally on the Seattle waterfront. Ben and Barbara also loved Priest Lake Idaho where he built their family cabin. The hills surrounding the lake always reminded him of the fjords in Norway. Ben and Barbara also traveled the world together often with family and friends.

He was kind, fair and his sense of humor and zest for life knew no bounds. If everyone lived on his wavelength the world would be a better place. May the legacy of FarFar live on.

A celebration of life will be held at the Seattle Yacht Club on Tuesday, September 17th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

The Seattle Yacht Club is located at 1807 East Hamlin Street, Seattle WA 98112.

In lieu of flowers please send remembrance's to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

WA/DL Capt. Craig Allen Rhymers

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, WA/DL Capt. Craig Allen Rhymers

OCTOBER 3, 1948 ~ SEPTEMBER 1, 2019

Notification with the passing of retired Western/Delta pilot Captain Craig Allen Rhymers, age 70.  Captain Rhymers joined Western Airlines 11-27-1978 and retired with Delta Air Lines in 2013.  He is survived by his wife Joan plus many other dear family members and aviation colleagues.

To view/sign the online guestbook please visit https://www.brenny.com/notices/Craig-Rhymers?fbclid=IwAR1GvEAfOSuBdGCJrxkAsYNpgAuRMd5s3YmpLphfkLWPXkJ9VAAGyPx98y0

Funeral services for Captain Rhymers were held in Staples, Minnesota with graveside services at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

For those wishing to send a personal note, whitepages lists the family residence as

 34825 Sleepy Valley Rd.,  Crosslake MN 56442-3005

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

Obituary………..Craig Allen Rhymers, 70, Crosslake, died Sunday, 9-1-2019 at CRMC Hospital, Crosby, with his family at his side.  Craig’s funeral service will be held at 3 PM, Thursday, 9-5-2019 at Staples United Methodist Church, Staples, with visitation for one hour prior to the service.  The graveside service with honors will be held at 11:45 AM, Friday, 9-6-2019 at Assembly Area # 5, Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.

Craig was born on October 3, 1948 in Minneapolis, MN, son of Roy and Irene (Wassing) Rhymers.  He grew up and was educated in south Minneapolis, graduating from Roosevelt High School.  While in school, he loaded bags at MSP Airport.  He attended the U of M, Minneapolis, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree.  He served in the US Air Force as a T38 Instructor at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, TX and served in Desert Shield/Storm flying C-130’s for the 133rd Tactical Airlift Wing.  He headed up the runway lighting project at Camp Ripley.

Craig worked with United Airlines in Denver, working with the flight simulator.  He began flying with Western Airlines out of LA, which later merged with Delta.  He flew with Delta until retiring on October 2, 2013 as 5th Captain from the top.  He was also retired from the Air National Guard as a Lt. Col.  In his younger years, Craig enjoyed boating, fishing, waterskiing and flying, flying, flying!!!  He enjoyed Gopher Football, Twins Baseball and Vikings Football.  His family also remembers him as “The Man of the Grill”!

He was united in marriage with Joan Batcher on 8-16-2015 at the Staples United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife: Joan (Joannie) of Crosslake; his daughter: Amanda Rhymers of Louisville, KY; step-children: Danika (Zach) Ohly of Rochester, MN, Zachary Batcher Johnson of Shakopee, MN, Joetta (Danny) Markow of Boise, ID, Turner Batcher Johnson of Minneapolis, MN, and Gunner Batcher Johnson of Helena, MT; granddaughter: Charlotte Ohly of Rochester, MN; brother: Dr. Kurt (Elaine) Rhymers of Alexandria, VA.  He was preceded in death by his parents: Roy and Irene; his wife: Debra on July 8, 2009.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel of Staples.  www.brenny.com  https://www.brenny.com/listings 

DL Capt. James ‘Jim’ F. Holmes

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, DL Capt. James ‘Jim’ Holmes

APRIL 20, 1942 ~ SEPTEMBER 7, 2019

News has been received with the passing of retired Delta pilot Captain James Frederick Holmes, age 77.  Captain Holmes joined Delta Air Lines 08-15-1969 and retired in 2002, based 030/ATL.  He is survived by his wife Gloria, his children and grandchildren, plus many other friends and dear family members.

To view/sign the online guestbook please visit

https://www.jeffcoattrant.com/notices/MrJamesFrederick-Holmes

FUNERAL SERVICE:  September 11, 2019 at 1:00 PM at

Auburn United Methodist Church, 137 South Gay St., Auburn AL 36830.

Per whitepages listing, personal condolences may be sent to the family at

790 Millers Point Road,  Auburn AL 36830-7630.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN

Obituary……….James Frederick Holmes, 77, passed away in Auburn, AL on Saturday, September 7, 2019.  He was born in Bay Minette, AL on April 20, 1942.  Funeral services will be held at Auburn United Methodist Church on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at 1:00pm (CST) with Dr. Cory Smith, Reverend Charles Cummings, and Dr. George Mathison presiding.  Visitation will be held following the service.  Graveside services will be held at the Bay Minette Cemetery on Thursday at 1:00pm (CST).

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Irene Holmes and twin sons, Roger Kevin and Richard Keith.

Jim graduated from Baldwin County High School in 1960 in Bay Minette, AL.  He completed his Bachelor of Aeronautical Administration from Auburn University in 1964.  He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at Auburn University.

Following graduation, Jim served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force.  During his five years of service, he flew KC-135 tankers in the Vietnam Era.  He earned the Air Force Air Medal for his service.  After his military service, he flew for Delta Airlines until his retirement in 2002.  During this time he was a member of the Air Line Pilots Association.

Jim was a member of the Auburn United Methodist Church where he attended the McGhee/Lacy Sunday school class. He also participated in the men’s Tuesday morning Bible study group, worked with the food pantry and taught beginner computer classes for the Christian Women's Job Corps.  He also participated in many other senior groups.

Jim was considered to be an authority on birds. He also enjoyed playing golf, reading, and travelling with family and birding friends. Jim was a member of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and was an avid Auburn fan.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Gloria S. Holmes, his sons, Dr. James F. Holmes, Jr, and his wife Dr. Cindy Chang of Sacramento, CA and Dr. David Holmes and Dr. Rona Holmes of Auburn, AL.  He is also survived by his brother, Harold Holmes and his wife, Charlotte Holmes of Bay Minette, AL, and his sister-in-law, Linda Bridges of Ocala, FL.  He was devoted “Pop-Pop” to his grandchildren, Matthew, Luke and Ryan Holmes of Auburn, AL and Kaitlyn and Audrey Holmes of Sacramento, CA.  In addition, he has several nieces and nephews across the country.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to either: 1) the AU Methodist Church choir: AUMC, PO Box 3135, Auburn, AL 36831-3135 or the United Methodist Children’s Home: 4001 Carmichael Road, Suite 235, Montgomery, Alabama 36106.

Shirley Wiginton, wife of DL Capt. Louis Wiginton

~ IN MEMORY ~

Shirley Wiginton, wife of DL Capt. Louis Wiginton

May 21, 1935 - August 25, 2019

Word has reached our group with the passing of Shirley Wiginton, wife of Delta Golden Wings member retired Delta Air Lines pilot Captain Louis B. Wiginton.  Shirley is survived by her husband, their children and grandchildren, plus many other friends and family members.  Services were held in Hammond LA.

To view/sign the online guestbook please visit

   https://www.thompsoncares.com/obituaries/Shirley-Wiginton/#!/PhotosVideos 

Personal condolences may be sent to Capt. Wiginton and his family at

51317 WIG LANE

LORANGER LA 70446-1935.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

Obituary……… Shirley G. Wiginton

Shirley Kay Graham Wiginton was called to her Heavenly home on August 25, 2019 at the age of 84, surrounded by her loving family and sweet puppy, Bear. Shirley was born on May 21, 1935 in Alma, Michigan to the late Ford and Maxine Graham. She was preceded in death by her son, Louis B. “Tige” Wiginton, Jr. and her son-in-law, William Taylor “Bill” Head. Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Louis B. Wiginton, her brother, John Graham (Suzanne), and her four children; Donna Ann Wiginton Howes (Fritz), Dr. Debbie Wiginton-Hintze (Paul), Diane Maxine Katherine Wiginton, and John Richard Wiginton (Amy). She was the proud and loving grandmother of eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Shirley spent her early childhood in Lake Charles, New Orleans, and Mobile, Alabama before moving to Hammond with her family at the age of 9. She moved to Loranger in 1977.

Shirley graduated from Southeastern High School in 1953. She was a woman of deep faith and was a member of Nesom Memorial United Methodist Church in Tickfaw and First United Methodist Church in Hammond. She was active in charitable and community affairs in Hammond. She was past Chairman of the Needlepoint Guild, member of the Junior Auxiliary, active member of the United Methodist Women, member of Hammond Round Table, and local book clubs. She loved reading, the beach, traveling, family gatherings, and her little puppy, Bear.

She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and community. Visitation will be held at Brandon G Thompson Funeral Home, 12012 Highway 190 West at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 31, 2019 with the Memorial Service immediately following at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Nesom Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 76, Tickfaw, LA 70466.