~ IN MEMORY ~
DL Capt. Thomas B. LeBoutillier Jr.
SEPTEMBER 8, 1942 – APRIL 10, 2020
News has reached us with the passing of retired Delta pilot
Captain Thomas Boutillier LeBoutillier Jr., age 77. Captain LeBoutillier joined Delta Air Lines 04-17-1970
and retired with Delta in 2002, based 030/ATL at the time of retirement. He is survived by his wife Bonnie and their
son plus many other close family members.
Friends write: “His
color photograph of the Delta Convair 880 on takeoff at Houston years ago has
become a classic along with the black and white photo taken at the same moment
by then Delta S/O Larry Pullen, who
later became an assistant chief pilot in ATL.”
For more information about the Convair 880 photographs, and view the
photos, click on at https://www.facebook.com/ClassicAirlinerFilms/photos/a.799113523475991/975618445825497/?type=1&theater
Captain LeBoutillier’s obituary may be viewed online and share
your memories at
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at
2875 Tynewick Dr NE, Roswell,
GA 30075.
Thank you,
~ Carol for the PCN
Obituary……………..Thomas LeBoutillier, Jr. of Roswell, GA, age
77, joyfully joined his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in eternity on April 10,
2020.
Tom was born on September 8, 1942 in New York City to Thomas
LeBoutillier Sr. and Ann Foster LeBoutillier.
Tom graduated from Avon Old Farms Preparatory School in
Avon, CT. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1964. He
attended graduate school at the University of Missouri and the University of
Houston.
Tom began his flying career with Delta Air Lines in Houston,
TX in 1970 and rose through the ranks to Captain and Flight Instructor before
retiring in 2002. While flying out of Houston Tom attended Dallas Theological
Seminary for five years and received his Master of Arts in Biblical Studies
degree in 1986. In 1987 he accepted an invitation to teach at Delta’s Flight
Training Department in Atlanta.
On a church trip to Israel in 1991, he met his remarkable
wife Bonnie, and they enjoyed 28 years together before his passing. After his
retirement Tom enjoyed spending quality time with his family as a full-time
stay-at-home dad, volunteering at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church and his son’s
schools, playing tennis and cheering for Roger Federer, going on fishing trips
with friends, traveling, growing tomatoes, and embracing his passion for
photography.
Tom is preceded in death by his father Thomas LeBoutillier,
Sr., mother Ann Foster LeBoutillier, step-mother Pamela Tower LeBoutillier,
brother David LeBoutillier, and half-sister Pamela LeBoutillier Miles. He is
survived by his wife Bonnie, their son Jonathan, mother-in-law Maggielena
Thompson, brother and sister-in-law Buddy and Sherie Oglesby and their family,
half-brother John LeBoutillier, and nephews Dave LeBoutillier, Jr. and Kris
LeBoutillier.
Tom summed up his life in this one statement: “My greatest
love came to me on February 8, 1979 when I reached out to God with a contrite
heart and found the love and forgiveness we all desire. Since that fateful
encounter the blessings I have received are too numerous for words. God is
truly great!” Because of the threat of COVID-19 and its impact, a private
graveside service will be held. The family will host a memorial service for a
broader audience at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bible
Training Centre for Pastors (BTCP), 2030 Tucker Industrial Road, Suite #126,
Tucker, GA 30084 (770) 938-6160
Tom was one of those very memorable characters I had the pleasure of knowing and working with at the HOU base. His arrogance aside he was socially fun to talk with and honest about himself. Rest in peace, Tom.
ReplyDeleteDick Gardner
A good friend, with a compassionate heart for others. Tom is one I'll always remember. A brother in the Lord, I'll look forward to seeing again some day.
ReplyDeleteA really good guy. Tom will be missed. I was the fourth Captain departing IAH the day he took his famous picture along with Larry Pullen. I don't think they recovered from Johns low pass in time to take our picture. It
ReplyDeletewouldn't have been so dramatic anyway.
I met Capt.Tom when I was a copilot with Delta Airlines. He gave me a simulator check and was one of the best instructors I have ever had! Very charismatic and funny! After the check ride, he took us out to Spondivits for dinner and a beer....he insisted on picking up the tab....great guy....one of a kind!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 12 years old in 1972 Tom was my Big Brother when he volunteered with the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization in Houston. We did many fun things together and he left a lasting good impression on me. I remember him telling me shortly after the incident of his receiving God on February 8, 1979. I thought of him over the decades and I am glad he had a rewarding life and family.
ReplyDelete