NAL/PAA/DL Capt. George Eldridge Blosser

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, NAL/PAA/DL Capt. George Eldridge Blosser

April 30, 1942 - December 21, 2024

 

Captain Blosser began his commercial flying career 01-08-1968 with National Airlines/Pan American.  He retired with Delta Air Lines 05-01-2002 as Fleet Captain based 024/ATG.

PCN memorial site

 

https://www.florafuneralservice.com/obituary/george-blosser 

 

Captain George E. Blosser, pilot, devoted husband, father, grandfather and pillar of the Smith Mountain Lake community, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2024. Born in Exeter California, George was the only son of Elbert George “Doc” Blosser and Eleanor Way Blosser. George developed his resilience, work ethic and character working on the family ranch in California.

 

After graduating from Inglewood High School and El Camino College, he entered the Naval Aviation Cadet program with the United States Navy in 1962. George was commissioned an Ensign and earned his Naval Aviator Wings in 1964. George was then trained as an attack pilot on the A4 aircraft and served in the US Navy for 5 years. His Naval service included 2 tours of duty in the Vietnam War where he earned numerous awards and accolades including the Distinguished Flying Cross.

 

After his first tour in Vietnam, George was transferred to an east coast Squadron at NAS Jacksonville. While stationed at NAS Jacksonville, he met his soulmate, Joan Kilpatrick. Joan was working as a secretary living near NAS Jacksonville where her brother was stationed. George and Joan were married in the Chapel at NAS Jacksonville on August 12, 1967.

 

George left the Navy as a Lieutenant in 1967 and joined National Airlines in January of 1968. He served as a First Officer and Captain with National Airlines until National merged with Pan American World Airways in 1980. At Pan American World Airways in addition to flying as a Captain, he also served as a Check Airman. In 1991 Delta Air Lines, Inc. purchased the profitable portions of Pan American World Airways and George made the transition to Delta Air Lines where he remained until he retired in 2003. During his time with Delta Air Lines, Inc. he served as a First Officer, Captain, Instructor, Senior Instructor, Program Manager and Fleet Captain on the Boeing 727. George spent the majority of his 35-year airline career on the Boeing 727.

 

George and Joan welcomed their first child, Todd George, in 1969, and their second child Pamela Joan, in 1972. George was a devoted and loving Father who was a constant presence in his children’s lives, guiding and nurturing them into adulthood. George loved spending time with his friends and family. Over the years various trips to lakes and mountains served as the backdrop for visiting and hosting friends and family alike. In September of 1997 George welcomed daughter-in-law Melanie Tolbert Blosser to the family with open arms. George was also a devoted Granddad to Abbey Leigh and Jackson Todd, celebrating every milestone in their lives.

 

In retirement George remained active in multiple organizations. He served on the Board of the A4 Skyhawk Association and The Smith Mountain Lake Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society. Additionally, he served on the Parish Council of Trinity Ecumenical Parish. In his free time, George loved working in his shop restoring and maintaining Oldsmobile Cutlass 442s, Wooden Chris Craft boats and a Ford tractor.

 

George was also an avid amateur radio operator like his father, his call sign was N4CPV. In a time before cellphones and the internet he volunteered to provide communications for city wide events in Greensboro, North Carolina as well as emergency communications during natural disasters.

 

George lived a life of extraordinary purpose marked by unwavering service to his Faith, Colleagues, Community and Family. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed but forever cherished by all the lives he touched.

 

In lieu of flowers, the Family kindly requests that donations be made to Trinity Ecumenical Parish or a charity of your choice.

 

A celebration of life service will be announced at a future time. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount – Smith Mountain Lake.