…..of interest….the passing of DL Flt. Instructor Fred
Gimson, son of deceased DL Capt. Keith Gimson
https://darik.news/georgia/frederick-gimson-obituary-2022-marietta-ga/202205590900.html
https://www.ajc.com/news/obituaries/gimson-fredrick/7X2N4FRPVRDMTCBO5LUKXVP3SM/
EAL/MidwestExpress/DAL pilot & flight instructor
Fredrick "Fred" Arthur Gimson, son of deceased DL Capt. Keith L. Gimson. (Keith Gimson, DOB 11-25-1921, hire date
10-24-1949 based ATL, died 08-19-1995)
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to
Frederick "Fred" Arthur Gimson, beloved father, grandfather, husband,
brother, uncle, and friend. He passed away at home on May 1st, 2022, surrounded
by family after a year-long struggle with cancer. Fred lived 75 full years of
life, most recently with his wife, Diane Hoey, in Marietta.
Fred was born November 6, 1946 in Bellefontaine,
OH where his father, Keith Gimson, ran a small airport after the war. In 1950,
the Gimsons' moved to Atlanta, where Keith spent a career as a Delta pilot.
Following in his father's footsteps, Fred pursued flying from an early age.
He met his first wife, Victoria "Vicki"
Lynn Gimson, at Avondale High School (Class of 1964) where they were both in
the band. They both attended Georgia State University where Fred enjoyed his
time in the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. After Fred and Vicki married in 1969,
Fred served in the US Army, stationed in Ulm, Germany from 1969-1971.
Fred truly loved his job as an airline pilot. All
those who got to work with him benefitted from his thorough preparation,
patience, encouragement, deep knowledge and love of flying. His first
professional flying job was with Eastern Airlines based in Atlanta. In 1990,
the Gimsons' relocated to Milwaukee, WI to fly for Midwest Express Airlines.
Retiring at 60 his journey as a pilot came full circle, working as a flight
instructor for Delta Airlines. So much did he enjoy this work, that he
continued instructing long after his cancer diagnosis. He reluctantly formally
retired a week prior to passing.
As a kind, funny and loving person, Fred made many
great friends. His favorite hobby was sailing, enjoying piloting his sailboat
as much as his plane, or perhaps more since it was often accompanied with
friends and family. Most recently, Fred and Diane enjoyed trips to St. Simon's
Island, Sanibel Island, and hanging out by the pool.
Fred lovingly cared for and supported his family.
He is predeceased by his wife of almost 50 years, Vicki; and parents Florence
and Keith Gimson. He is survived by his wife Diane Hoey; and her son, David. He
is cherished by his three daughters, Erica Lynn Gimson and her husband Sean of
Raleigh, NC, Mary Gimson Reabe and her husband Damon of Ripon, WI, and
Elizabeth Gimson Edsell and her husband Mark of Winooski, VT. He is also
lovingly remembered as "G-Daddy' by grandchildren, Eulaila, Caroline, Max,
Ida, and Leah. Also grieving are his brother, Jack at Lake Oconee, and his
family; and Barbara Miller of Grayson and her family.
In lieu of flowers, those desiring may send
donations to his alma mater, Georgia State University,GSU Foundation, P.O. Box
2668, Atlanta, GA 30301-2668. The family welcomes visitors to celebrate his
life with them on Wednesday, May 4th, 2022 between 4-7 PM at The Venue, 855 Church
Street, Marietta, GA 30060. All are welcome.
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