facebook post: Services are also planned for Dennis Dutton, 67, and his son Jack Dutton, 20, who both died in the crash. A joint funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at the Charles Mack Citizen Center in Mooresville.
September 13, 1958 – December 18, 2025
Dennis Dutton leaves an indelible impression on all who loved him and on everyone fortunate enough to know him. With his signature cabbie hat and infectious smile, Dennis had a remarkable way of connecting with people and making everyone feel valued, seen, and loved.
Dennis was born in Marion, Virginia, to Ralph Dutton and Linda Blevins Dutton. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Stephanie Dutton; his children, Desiree Wilson (Jared Wilson), Derek Dutton (Julija Dutton), and Grace Dutton; his grandchildren Benjamin, Alex, and Cooper Wilson, and Noah and Zofijia Dutton; his stepmother, Sandra Campbell; his siblings Kenny Rose (Shirley Burton), Suzan Moore (Scott Mullins), John Dutton, and Ginger Dutton Gardner; and his former wife and friend, Denise Jarvis. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Betty Dutton Nave.
After graduating from Wilkes Central High School in 1976, Dennis answered a call bigger than himself and proudly served his country in the US Army. It was during his Army years that he earned his private pilot certificate–following in the footsteps of his father, who was also a pilot. After the Army, he pursued his new love of flying with everything he had, earning his BS in Aeronautical Engineering and his MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Then came the Air Force, where he continued to serve his country, flying C-5s and KC-10s, and serving in Desert Storm. He went on to fly for over 30 years with Delta Air Lines, while continuing to serve as a Major in the Air Force Reserves.
Dennis rarely boasted about his many accomplishments, but those who knew him understood the pride and dedication he carried into every flight. What mattered most to him were never the awards, commendations, or titles he earned. For Dennis, what mattered were the people he met and the experiences he shared along the way (notably on the unforgettable trip to London and Paris with his family to celebrate his career at Delta). For Dennis, flying was never a job. It was a calling, something he poured his heart into for the rest of his life, and eventually, a legacy he would pass on to his son.
Known affectionately as "Den-man," "Pops," "Brother," or "Cutie," Dennis valued family above all else. He and Stephanie were true partners in every sense-building a life filled with love, laughter, and wholehearted devotion. Dennis was the ultimate protector, always showing up for those he loved with steady reassurance, encouragement, and unwavering commitment.
Adventurous by nature, Dennis traveled the world with his family, embracing cultures in New Zealand, South America, Asia, and Australia. He loved hiking, running marathons, and soaking in the beauty of nature, always turning every experience into a cherished memory. He had a knack for making every adventure fun and unforgettable.
To say Dennis was a "good man" hardly scratches the surface. He could light up a room the moment he walked in, winning people over instantly with his warmth, quick wit, and that irresistible smile. His legendary "Big Den" hugs wrapped you in comfort, safety, and a love you could feel. He mentored countless young people through encouragement and relentless enthusiasm.
Described as "one of a kind", Dennis prided himself on always finding "a really good deal". His love of bluegrass music, his dogs, Seinfeld humor, exuberant storytelling, and nostalgic stops at the Dip Dog Stand were just part of his charm.
More than anything, Dennis will be remembered for his generous spirit, his laughter, his tremendous heart, and the extraordinary way he made everyone feel. He leaves behind a legacy of love, courage, warmth, connection, and a life lived fully and joyfully. Those who loved him will carry his voice, his stories, his hugs, and his love in their hearts always.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ebenezer Christian Children's home, Ebenezerfamily.org/donate or to a memorial aviation scholarship in honor of Dennis and Jack Dutton that is currently being established at Auburn University.
~ IN MEMORY ~
USAF veteran, DL Capt. Dennis R. Dutton
September 13, 1943 ~ December 18, 2025
…and son Jack Dutton, age 20
Dennis Rollin Dutton joined Delta Air Lines
07-11-1991 and was based Atlanta.
Various posts are available online…..it is a tragic loss for so many
families.
PCN memorial site
Source : https://www.instagram.com/p/DSdc4PDEalZ/
Source : https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Dennis%20Dutton
Source facebook posts : A Fly Guy's Cabin Crew
Lounge's Post
Tragic Update! - A longtime Delta Air Lines
captain and his son were among the seven people killed Thursday when a private
jet crashed at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina, the same
accident that claimed the lives of former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife,
and their two children.
Dennis Dutton, 67, and his son Jack Dutton, 20,
were both pilots who shared a deep passion for aviation. Their deaths have
resonated strongly within the airline industry and across multiple communities
connected to flight training, military service, and collegiate aviation.
Dennis Dutton was a retired U.S. Air Force Reserve
pilot who flew for Delta Air Lines from 1991 until his retirement, concluding
his commercial career on the Airbus A330, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Colleagues remembered him as a respected leader known for his professionalism,
integrity, and unwavering commitment to excellence throughout his decades-long
career. One former coworker described him as “energetic, charismatic, and
committed to excellence in everything he did.”
Based in the Charlotte area, Dutton was a husband,
father of four, and grandfather of three. Outside aviation, he was involved in
real estate development and was an avid traveler who frequently explored the
world with his family. Friends and former employees described him as kind,
honest, and someone who would help anyone in need.
His son Jack was following directly in his
footsteps. The youngest of four children, he was studying aviation in the
professional flight program at Auburn University. Just weeks before the crash,
Jack earned his single-engine pilot certification, marking a major milestone
toward his goal of becoming a professional pilot like his father.
Jack was also active in campus and community life,
working part-time as a barista, serving in a fraternity leadership role,
mentoring younger students, and volunteering with senior citizens. A former
high school tennis player and yearbook mentor, he was remembered by classmates
and teachers as a trusted friend and natural leader.
The crash occurred Thursday morning during a
flight involving a privately owned Cessna aircraft. All seven people on board
were killed. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident.
In a statement released by the victims’ families,
the loss of Dennis and Jack Dutton was described as being “felt by all who knew
them,” a sentiment echoed throughout the aviation community following the
tragedy.
Source: Charlotte Observer (Reporting by Amber
Gaudet)
#delta #deltapilot #DeltaAirLines #PilotLife
#AviationCommunity #GregBiffle #PlaneCrash
…………………….
Additionally, Dennis Dutton and his son Jack
Dutton. Dennis was a A commercial airline pilot (international A-330 Captain at
Delta Airlines) and retired U.S. Air Force Reserves pilot officer. His son Jack
Dutton was a junior at Auburn University studying professional flight. He had
recently earned his Instrument Rated Private Pilot certification (ASEL).
…………………..
Details have emerged about Dennis
Dutton and his son Jack, two victims in the tragic plane crash that also killed
NASCAR star Greg Biffle and his family. Dennis, a veteran airline transport
pilot, and Jack, a junior at Auburn University in the professional flight
program with a recent single-engine license, were aboard the Cessna that
crashed December 18, 2025, in Statesville. The father-son duo joined Biffle,
wife Cristina, children Emma and Ryder, and friend Craig Wadsworth—all seven
perished. Dennis served as a skilled pilot, while Jack pursued aviation
passionately. Families described them as deeply loved, with their loss
profoundly felt. The group was en route to Florida amid the holiday season.
Investigations continue into the weather-related incident.#DennisDutton #JackDutton #SonJack #PlaneCrash
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