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History of National Airlines
Interesting web page with history and lots of photos.

Junior High School in Jacksonville, Florida. After his last exam at FSU in 1961, Gordon and Majol married at a Methodist Church in Thomasville, Georgia.   He served as a pilot during the Vietnam War and was promoted to Captain within 4 years of service. After his military service, Gordon worked as a pilot for National Airlines, later Pan Am Airlines and then with Delta Airlines for 32 years before retiring in 1999.  While with Pan Am, Gordon and Majol lived in Berlin, Germany and were living there when the Berlin Wall fell in November, 1989. Gordon was also an avid golfer and placed 2nd in the 1988 Berlin Golf Club Championship.  After 4 years in Germany, Gordon and Majol moved to Jacksonville, Florida and then to Peachtree City, Georgia. After 24 years in Peachtree City, Georgia, they moved to Mount Dora, Florida to be closer to family and friends.  Gordon was a car enthusiast and owned a 1953 Jaguar XK120M Roadster. The Jaguar was awarded "Most Desirable Jaguar", "People's Choice Award" and 5 time "Best in Show". His passion for cars stemmed from his father, John Miller. John was a pilot and avid race car driver.  

NAL/PAA Captain William Charles Minick  
DOB March 31, 1936      DOH Sep 27, 1965      DOD Dec 5, 2019  
USAF Viet Nam Veteran 
He attended Univeresity of Miami then entered the Air Force as a 2nd Lt. After flight school, he was deployed to South Vietnam to train South Vietnamese to fly. He was ischarged in 1963 and awarded the Air Force Longevity Medal for Service. He joined NAL and retired from Pan Am at 55 years old.

NAL/PAA Flight Attendant Susan (Akin, Miller, Gardner) Fow
DOB Oct 5, 1947     DOH Sep 13, 1968     DOD Nov 18, 2019  
The following note is from Susan's family. Our thanks to Carol Faulkner and Mary Cahill Daniel for their assistance with these details.We have sad news to share from the Fow family. Recently, news was received of the passing of Suzi (Akins) Gardner Fow, wife of retired Delta Air Lines Captain John C. Fow.  John’s son William wrote:  “Susan was a flight attendant for National/Pan Am starting in 1968 . She ived in Indialantic, Florida. 

NAL/PAA/DAL F/A Claudia Ann Pinder  
DOB March 29, 1946      DOH Oct 29, 1965      DOD Sep 22, 2019  
A Flight attendant for 53 years,she took her final flight on September 22, 2019, after extended illness. Claudia was born on March 29, 1946 and lived her entire life in South Florida. She graduated from Hialeah High School's class of 1964 and National Airlines Stewardess Training in October 1965. After 14 years, National was acquired by Pan Am and Claudia became a famed Pan Am Flight Attendant. During that time, she traveled the world including serving as purser during Operation Desert Storm on Military Airlift Command (MAC) charter flights to and from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. When Pan Am was acquired by Delta Airlines in 1991, Claudia joined the Delta team. With Delta, Claudia continued her career as a flight attendant and also worked in management and training positions. Claudia's first love was always flying. Leading teams in the air, mentoring other flight attendants, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew. One of the highlights of her career was earning the coveted 50-year pin. Claudia was a lover of books, dance, all things Coca-Cola, football, animals, travel, and mostly, people. Her stories, wisdom, smiles, and laughter will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Claudia is survived by her brother Tommy (Barbara) and sister Michelle and many extended family members and lifelong friends. 

NAL/PAA/DAL Pilot Francis Xavier Pignone Jr.  
DOB Aug 21, 1939      DOH Sep 8, 1969      DOD Aug 25, 2019  
USAF Vietnam Veteran Frank Pignone, 80, died August 25, 2019 after a brief illness. Frank was born August 21, 1939 in Washington, D.C., at Georgetown University Hospital to Francis X. Pignone and Jessie Grace Moore. He attended elementary school at St. Mary’s in Alexandria, Virginia before moving to Orlando in 1950.

He graduated from Edgewater High School in 1957 and the Military College of South Carolina (The Citadel) in 1962. Following pilot training in Del Rio, Texas, Frank served as an officer in the United States Air Force at Pease AFB, New Hampshire, Pope AFB, North Carolina and Ching Chuan Kang Air Base in Taichung, Taiwan during the conflict in Vietnam, flying the C-130 Hercules. Following his service in the United States Air Force, he returned to Orlando and began a career in commercial aviation in 1969, first for National Airlines, followed by Pan American Airlines and Delta Airlines and was a proud member of the Airline Pilots Association. He retired from flying in 2003. In his career as a pilot, he had many opportunities to travel around the world and carry many interesting passengers from Mother Teresa to Dusty Rhodes. Frank pursued a number of other interests throughout his life in addition to aviation, many in the area of community service. He was elected as a member of the Orange County School Board in the mid-1970’s, and he served on the State of Florida Housing Finance Authority as an appointee of Governor Bob Graham. He also pursued several business interests including serving as a founder of Commercial State Bank, and owning a series of publishing ventures. He loved to watch sports, keep up with the news, and was a strong advocate for the less fortunate. Frank is survived by his wife Nancy Kirtley Pignone; his son Michael and Michael’s wife Lisa; grandchildren Kevin and Kaley; sisters Patricia, Theresa, Barbara, and Priscilla. He is preceded in death by his sister Joan and by his beloved son, Scott.

EAL/NAL/PAA Flight Engineer George M. Hartin  
DOB June 29, 1920      DOH Aug 16, 1965      DOD April 17,2019  
US Army Air Corps Veteran 
George Morris Hartin, 98, of Wirtz, VA passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2019. George was born in Searcy, Arkansas, June 29, 1920. He was the son of Edward T. Hartin and Nannie Sue Morris. After serving in the Army Air Corp from 1941 to 1945 George was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon, American Defense Service Ribbon and Three Battle Stars. In 1946 George married Faye Hardee in Bradenton, Florida. He worked for Eastern Airlines, National Airlines and retired as a pilot with Pan American Airlines in 1981. 

She lived most of her life in Miami Springs, Florida. She was a member of the University Baptist Church of Coral Gables, and attended the First United Methodist Church of Ocala. She was active in the National Airlines Sundowners and the Central Florida Buccaneers. She was also a member of the Pan American Retirees of North Central Florida. She is survived by her husband of 34 years; David S. Bradley.  Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association or the ASPCA of Ocala, Florida.

NAL/PAA/AIA Flight Engineer Ken W. Poteet  
DOB Dec 8, 1931      DOH Sep 3, 1969      DOD Sep 3, 2018  
USAF Veteran 
Kenneth Wayne Poteet Sr., 86, of Acworth, Ga., passed away surrounded by family. Ken was born on December 8, 1931, in Springfield, Mo. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corp during WWII and retired following 20 years of military service. He was also employed as a pilot for National Airlines, Pan Am, Kalitta Air, and Air Force Reserve. He started Ken’s Flying Service in Homestead, Fla., where he pursued his passion for flying. Ken also participated in several mission trips to the Caribbean with Christian Pilots Association. He lived all over the country but resided in Homestead, FL., for almost 50 years before moving to the Atlanta area, where he lived near family during the past few years.

NAL/PAA/AIA Captain Paul. E. "Buzz" Corley  
DOB June 6, 1939      DOH May 26, 1969      DOD Aug 26, 2018  
US Navy Veteran  
Murfreesboro - Paul "Buzz" Edward Corley, age 79, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, August 26, 2018.
Buzz was born in Atlanta, Georgia on June 6, 1939 and spent his childhood growing up in Jacksonville, Florida. He graduated from the  University of Florida playing catcher on the baseball team.

NAL/PAA Captain Dentis S. McDaniel  
DOB Oct 30, 1936      DOH May 3, 1965      DOD Sep 15, 2018  
USAF Veteran 
Dentis McDaniel of Satellite Beach went to be with Jesus on September 15, 2018 at the age of 81. His sweet spirit and loving heart will always be remembered by his wife of almost 60 years, Jean, and his children. He was a graduate of the University of Kentucky. After 6 years as an Air Force Pilot, he became a commercial pilot for National Airlines which later became Pan Am.

SO/PIE/NAL Stewardess Barbara A. Beck Payne  
DOB Oct 29, 1942      DOH Oct 25, 1963      DOD June 28, 2018 
Mrs. Barbara Anne Beck Payne, age 75 of the Coosawattee community, Ellijay, GA passed Thursday afternoon, June 28th, 2018 at the Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in Jasper, GA. Mrs. Payne was born October 29th, 1942 in Greenville, SC to her late parents Russell Gardner Beck and Anna Harriett Hansen Beck.  After graduating from Murrah High School in Jackson, MS, Barbara served as a flight attendant for Southern, Piedmont, and National Airlines.  In August of 1964, she married Maxie Howell Payne.  She later worked for Southern Airlines in the reservation department.  Barbara was a member of Hope Lutheran Church.  She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 50 years, Maxie Howell Payne.

NAL/PAA/DAL Captain Gordon M. Biggar  
DOB Apr 15, 1937      DOH Aug 16, 1965      DOD May 12, 2018  
USAF Veteran  
There is no obituary or independent confirmation of Gordon's passing. The remarks below were drafted by Hart Kelley who received the sad news directly from Gordon's family. If more information surfaces it will be forwarded to you.  
Gordon was born in Ft. Myers, Florida in 1937.  His family purchased The Mangoes, Henry Ford’s estate in 1945 and that is where Gordon grew up and attended local schools.  He attended University of Florida in Gainesville.  After graduation he entered the US Air Force flight training and flew the C-130 during the Viet Nam War. Leaving the Air Force he applied to and was hired by National Airlines in 1965.  National merged with Pan Am in 1980 and Gordon transferred to Delta Airlines in 1991 following an asset purchase, from which he retired in 1997. He is survived by three brothers, Malcolm, Tito and Sandy Biggar.

EAL/NAL/PAA FE James R. Kell  
DOB June 12, 1922      DOH April 11, 1966      DOD Jan 29, 2018  
US Navy Veteran 

James 'Jim' Richard Kell, 95, passed away at his residence in Cotton Plant. He was born in St Louis, MO and moved to Ocala in 1981 from Miami. Jim was a U.S. Navy veteran. He was a flight engineer for Eastern, Pan Am, and National Airlines. His lifelong passion was woodworking. Crafting everything from ink pens to furniture, but especially clocks, from mantle clocks to grandfather clocks, the hourly chiming from many clocks was a memorable experience. He had a loving and generous heart, and was always giving to others.

He was a longtime active member of St. Johns United Methodist Church in Cotton Plant. Jim is preceded in death by his first wife of 64 years, Jean Kell in 2007, and brothers Robert Kell and Rayford Kell. He is survived by his beloved wife Jolinda Jones Kell, sons Andrew Kell (Marie Hannigan) of Babson Park, FL, and Matthew Kell (Diane Bloch-Kell)of Gainesville, a step-daughter, Amy Higgins of Ocala, six step-grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren.

NAL/PAA Captain Herman A. Winkleman  
DOB May 8, 1925 DOH Nov 12, 1956 DOD Dec 14, 2017  
US Navy Veteran 

Herman” Wink” Winkelman was born in Columbus, Nebraska on May 8th, 1925 and went on to be with the Lord on December 14th, 2017, having lived a wonderful life making a lasting impact on countless people as a husband, father, father-in-law, grand-father, great-grand-father, great-great grand-father and friend to many. His impact on his family, his life long love of aviation and above all his faith in Jesus Christ will forever be with us. While in High School, Wink was approached by his Principle and school counselor to apply to the Naval Officer Flight program. On July 7th, 1943 during WWII, he was accepted into Flight Prep at Doane College in Crete Nebraska, receiving his pilot wings in 1945.

NAL/PAA FA Michelene "Mike" Seidler Briggs  
DOB- Oct 21, 1950 DOH-Oct 9,1970 DOD- Nov 26, 2017 

My wife, Michelene “Mike” Briggs went West yesterday at 0830, November 26, 2017 at the age of 67. Mike was a National and Pan Am flight attendant. DOH: 1970. Retired 1982.

We lived on our 220 acre farm in Rogersville, TN. Mike raised Arabian horses.
Curt Briggs,
Left seat NAL

NAL/PAA/ Flight Engineer Art Schmitt  
DOB March 26, 1938 DOH June 2, 1969 DOD Oct 11, 2017  
United States Marine Corps Veteran 
George Arthur Schmitt, 79, of Pensacola, Florida passed away on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 After Pan Am, Art flew as a 747 Check Engineer for American International Airways, more comonly refered to as Kalitta. Interment at Barrancas National Cemetery, located on Pensecol NAS, is planned at a later date. 

NAL/PAA/DAL Capt. Jack D'Arcy
DOB April 17, 1943 DOH Sep 27, 1965 DOD Sep 22, 2017 He was born in Birmingham, AL to Doris and John D'Arcy, Jr. Jack had a life-long passion for flying and cars, specifically Corvettes. He was taught to fly at a very early age by his father and gained experience flying cargo in the early 60's. He was a flight instructor for Burnside-Ott, Opa Locka, FL, until getting hired by National Airlines in 1965, where he met his wife, Marty. He had a long and rewarding career as he moved from National Airlines to Pan Am, and finally Delta Airlines, where he finished 40 years of distinguished service in the commercial airline industry. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Marty D'Arcy, his son, Brian D'Arcy, and two other children, Mary D'Arcy Cantu and John J. D'Arcy IV.A celebration of life will be announced in the near future for family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jack's memory to either Southern Grace Hospice -

NAL/PAA FA Zora Lea Rosteck
DOB Feb 18, 1940 DOH June 30, 1961 DOD Aug 19, 2017 
Zora Rosteck, 77 passed away August 19, 2017. Arrangements by Eternity Funeral Homes Jacksonville. Eternity Funeral Home confirms there is no service or additional obituary planned. The following note is from Edith Schreck. Thanks to all who notified me of Lea's passing.  
It is with a heavy heart to inform you of the passing of Lea Rosteck in Jacksonville on August 19. She started flying with National in 1956 and was based in JAX. When they closed the base Lea transferred to MIA. She flew with PAA until it's demise. She was V/P of our union with NAL when Maggie Roe was president. Lea always had a smile and was great with the pax, she loved her job. She had wonderful stories to tell and had us all laughing. Lea will be missed. Lea have a great layover until we can fly together again! Edith Schreck

NAL/PAA FA Heidi Knights Glazebrook Adams
DOB June 6, 1947 DOH Nov 13, 1970 DOD Aug 8, 2017
Heidi was the widow of NAL/PAA/UAL Captain Dan Adams who passed away Aug 22, 2013
Heidi Knights Adams (70) of Sarasota, FL, formerly of Marblehead, MA, passed away peacefully on at her son and daughter-in-law's home in Montville, NJ. Heidi was the daughter of Sally and David Knights of Marblehead, MA. She had been battling pancreatic cancer for the last few months.

NAL/PAA Capt. Eddie Hall Saunders  
DOB May 20, 1940 DOH Sep 27, 1965 DOD June 12, 2017  US Navy Veteran 
Eddie Hall Saunders, 77, went home to be with the Lord on June 12, 2017, in his home in Montverde, Florida. Ed was born in Bainbridge, Georgia to Tracy and Wynette (Turner) Saunders. He grew up in Green Cove Springs, where he became a member of the Boy Scouts and achieved the rank of an Eagle Scout. He also served as a Page in the US Congress. He graduated from Clay County High School where he was elected President of the Student Body and voted most-talented.
He then attended Georgia Military College and Georgia Southern College. He then was accepted into Naval Flight Training School, where he learned to become a Naval

Aviator and achieved his professional goal of becoming a pilot. After the Navy, he became a pilot for National and Pan American Airlines, and achieved the rank of Captain. After retiring from the airlines, he studied at Oxford University before completing a Master’s program at and Sotheby Institute of Art. He had a real entrepreneurial spirit, he bought and sold real estate, owned a bed-and-breakfast, an antique shop, and a plant nursery.
Ed was preceded in his death by his parents, Tracy and Wynette and brother Tracy Saunders Jr. He is survived by his son Mark and wife Kim Saunders and daughter Jennifer Mairot and five grandchildren- He was a member of Montverde Methodist Church and served in their food pantry.
He lived out the last days of his life with a renewed relationship with the Lord and others. He never met a stranger and he always had a story to share. He loved children and dogs and always had a treat to give them. Ed was a lifelong learner; reading the Bible, looking up words in the dictionary, doing brain puzzles in the newspaper, writing lists, taking a computer class at the local library, and was a garage sale extraordinaire! He was always whistling a tune as he went about his day. We will miss him and his melodies.

NAL Capt. Bobby J. Willis
DOB Sep 29, 1915     DOH July 8, 1946     DOD April 11, 2017
US Army Air Corps Veteran
Johnie L. Willis, 96, of Jensen Beach, Florida passed away on April 10, 2017 at Treasure Coast Hospice. Her husband of 75 years, Bobby J. Willis, 101, joined her just one day later on April 11, 2017. Mr. Willis was born in Mt. Pleasant, Texas and Mrs. Willis was born in Trees City, LA. Together, they had been residents of Jensen Beach for over 16 years. Mr. Willis was a veteran of the United States Army and was a pilot for National Airlines for 30 years, while Mrs. Willis worked in the administrative field. She was a member of the Eastern Star, and along with her husband was a member Trinity United Methodist Church in Jensen Beach.

NAL/PAA F/E Ray McCall
DOB May 11, 1929 DOH Dec 9, 1957 DOD June 4, 2016
USAF Veteran. There is no obituary to be found.

NAL/PAA Captain Michael A. Jullie
DOB Dec 13, 1938 DOH Jan 13, 1969 DOD- May 28, 2016
US Navy Veteran Michael Adolph Jullie, of Coral Gables, passed away peacefully on May 28th. He was born December 13, 1938 in Robbinsdale, MN to Adolph and Florence Jullie. He graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He proudly served as a Navy pilot in Vietnam. He was a captain with National and Pan Am Airlines. He developed real estate properties in Fort Pierce and South Miami, FL. He was, at one time, a Guardian Ad Litem. In the 1970's he owned and operated Abel Air Conditioning Company.

OZR/NAL/PAA F/A Mary Lou Hemann Jackson
DOB Aug 11, 1922 DOH Nov 21, 1952 DOD May 27, 2016
Mary Lou Hemann Jackson, 93, of Houston, TX passed into the comforting arms of her Lord and Savior on May 27, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Truxton L. Jackson in 1994. Mary Lou was born on August 11, 1922 in New Baden, IL. She was a flight attendant for over 30 years first for Ozark Airlines, then National Airlines and finally for Pan American Airlines. She has many nieces and nephews with whom she was very close. Mary Lou had an infectious smile, a deep love for her faith and a strong opinion on politics. She lived in Coral Gables, FL for many years and was involved in the Coral Gables Garden Club and the Easter Seals Society. She attended the Church of the Little Flower, a Catholic Church where she was a parishioner until her move to Texas in 2014. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

NAL/PAA Flight Attendant Sharon N. Thomas Collier
YOB 1954 DOH June 26, 1974 DOD April 29, 2016 Sharon Collier, 62, passed away on April 29, 2016 after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Originally from Orange, New Jersey. She moved to Miami in 1974 to pursue career with National and Pan AM Airways as a flight attendant. She leaves behind her daughter, Ciera and four grandchildren.

NAL/PAA Captain Bill Blomeley
DOB July 4, 1921 DOH March 29. 1945 DOD April 23, 2016
US Army Air Corps VeteranWilliam Stanley Blomeley, Jr., age 94 of Ellijay, Georgia passed on Saturday, April 23, 2016. He was born July 4, 1921 to his late parents William Stanley Blomeley, Sr. and Cordilia Urslene Elzy Blomeley in Brighton, Alabama. He was of the Methodist Faith and was a graduate of Miami Technical High School. Mr. Blomeley served in the United States Army Air Corp during the Korean War and retired as a Captain with National and Pan American Airlines.

NAL F/A Sara Corry Beverly
DOB Jan 31, 1944 DOH Feb 22, 1963 DOD Apr 22, 2016
Sara Corry Beverly, 74, longtime resident of Ocala, FL, went to be with the Lord on April 22, 2016. Sara was a National Airlines Flight Attendant at one time. She loved animals, especially dogs and cats. She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Beverly of Ocala; three grandchild-ren; sisters, Mary Morgan, Patricia Corry; and brother, Al Corry. Rest in Peace, beloved Sara.

NAL/PAA/NWA F/A Nancy Sylvester Smetanka
YOB 1946 DOH Nov 22, 1968 DOD April 5, 2016
Nancy (Sylvester) Smetanka 1946-2016
NAL 11/22/68 - 1991. Nancy was with NWA for 1 year and 8 months after PAA and was NWA/SFO Inflight Base Manager. She then worked for the City and County of San Francisco on the Airport staff for 5 years as manager of Customer Service for the Airport. There is no obituary.

NAL/PAA F/E Bob Whiteman
DOB Dec 4, 1927 DOH Aug 16, 1965 DOD March 12, 2016
US Navy Veteran. Robert Allan Whiteman, 88, of Naples, Florida, formally of Lighthouse Point and Miami Springs, Florida passed away on March 12, 2016. He was born December 4, 1927 in Pitts. Pa. Bob was the loving husband of Mary Frances for 64 years. She pre-deceased Bob in 2014. From Pennsylvania, they moved to Florida where he was a devoted husband and father. He flew for National & Pan American Airlines retiring as a flight engineer with 25+ years. He also owned & operated Miami Springs Cyclery. He loved playing tennis but his favorite hobby was boating where he was Commodore of the SeaBirds Yacht group. He leaves behind three children & their spouses. He is also survived by his six grandchildren.

NAL/PAA Tampa Line Mechanic Albert Royal
USAF Veteran Albert Royal 87, died Feb. 20, 2016 under Hospice care at his home in John Knox Village. A native Floridian, he was born in Scanlon and raised in Zephyrhills. He served 20 years in the Air Force and worked another 20 years for National Airlines/Pan Am. He is survived by Maureen, his wife of 38 years; his sons, Steve (Kim) and Kent (Kathi); grandchildren, Sean (Mallorie), Sheyanne Padgainii (Artiom), and Stephanie. A Mason for 65 years, he was a kind and loving man with a smile that lit up the room. He loved to read, enjoyed the out of doors and was an avid and inquisitive gardener.

NAL/PAA F/A Carol A. Herndon
DOH Sep 27, 1963 DOD Feb 14, 2016 There is no obituary.

EAL/NAL/PAA F/E Harford Earle Knowles
YOB 1924 DOH Mar 14, 1966 DOD Jan 12, 2016
US Navy Veteran Harford Earle Knowles, age 92, of Sylva, NC, died January 12, 2016 and was preceded in death by his parents, John and Gertrude Knowles; wife, Audrey Knowles; daughter, Karen Knowles; brothers, Bryant, James, Robert, and Ronald Knowles. Harford was a WWII naval veteran, master mason for 50 years and worked as a flight engineer for Eastern, National, and Pan American Airlines.

NAL/PAA FA Carol L. Gallagher Albert
DOB unknown DOH June 8, 1962 YOD 2016
wife of Captain Art Albert
Carol L. Albert, formerly Carol Gallagher passed away at home in South Miami. Originally from Harrisburg PA, moved with family to Hialeah Fl, where she was hired by National Airlines, as a Stewardess, and married Captain Arthur Albert. She stated most recently "she had a great life, and felt very fortunate. She is survived by her husband Arthur Albert, step sons Nick, Scott, and nieces Vanessa, Denise, and her beloved cats. Any contributions would be warmly directed to The Humane Society, or ASPCA, a couple of her most passionate concerns. Thank you...

NAL/PAA Captain Ted A. Neff
DOB Dec 21, 1939 DOH Aug 8, 1969 DOD Jan 9, 2016
USAF Veteran - Captain Ted A Neff died on 9 January at the Hospice of the Miami Veterans Hospital in the presence of his family. Cause of Death was Alzheimer's disease.

FA Rosalie J. DeLuria Marion
YOB 1943 DOH July 19, 1963 DOD Jan 1, 2016
72, formerly of Homestead, passed away on January 1, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. Rose was born in New Castle, PA, The family moved to Miami in 1957 and Rose graduated from Miami Sr. High School in 1961. She became a stewardess for National Airlines in the 1960's. She gave up flying to become a stay-at-home wife, mother to daughter, Lori and step-mother to Paige and Britt Austen. She was an active member of the Coral Gables Junior Woman's Club for several years before the family moved to the Redlands in 1976. While living in the Homestead area, Rose stayed busy volunteering for school PTA's and as a member of the Homestead Junior Woman's Club. She decided to turn her love for baking and entertaining into a business venture and in 1984 opened Tiffany Tearoom, which remained a popular Homestead restaurant for nearly 20 years. Rose later worked for Carnival Cruise Lines prior to meeting and marrying her husband of 22 years, Donald Marion. They resided in Boynton Beach, FL, where Rose worked in retail sales until a few years ago. She is survived by her husband, Don.

NAL/PAA FE Peter "PJ" Martin
74, of Pompano Bch, FL, passed away Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015. Survived by his wife, Susan Martin. Born August 27, 1941, in Orange, NJ, he moved to Hollywood as a teenager with his parents John & Antoinette Martin. PJ flew for National Airlines and PanAm for over 25 years. He founded and operated a successful advertising newspaper in South Florida. Also a licensed boat captain, he enjoyed the ocean, the Keys and the Islands with his family and friends.

NAL/PAA Flight Attendant Gladys D. Sanchez
DOB July 27, 1932 DOH Jan 30, 1956 DOD Sep 25, 2015
Gladys was a Cuban who won two Gold Medals for Cuba in the Olympics before the Castro take over. She was one of the first Cubans hired by National Airlines as a Stewardess and retired from Pan Am in 1990. If you knew her, you loved her. She would receive over three hundred Christmas cards from all over the world. Gladys loved tennis and attended matches here and overseas. Besides being a wonderful tennis player herself, she would snow ski around the world till her knees gave out. She was the best Cuban cook who served great wine before we Americans knew about their dishes or even drank wine with our meals. Gladie was one of 17 children and from the beginning of her arrival in the U.S.A. she never missed sending money every month back to family in Cuba. A Great Dear Friend to so many, may she find a game in Heaven.

NAL/PAA/DAL Capt.Gary Edward Lakin
DOB Aug 4, 1940 DOH June 13, 1969 DOD Sep 4, 2015
USAF Veteran, 75, passed away September 4, 2015, in his home. Gary was born August 4, 1940, in Portsmouth, VA, to Walter and Iris Lakin. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1959 and from East Carolina University in 1963. He went into the Air Force pilot training program and married Julia Ann Parsons of Candor, NC, December 1964, the same year he graduated. They moved to Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, where both his daughters were born. Gary flew KC-135 aircrafts and made three trips to Southeast Asia where he served in the Vietnam War. After leaving the Air Force in 1969, the family moved to Miami, FL, and Gary took a job as a pilot with National Airlines. In 1980 National was purchased by Pan Am and Gary was transferred to John F. Kennedy airport in New York. The family moved to Virginia Beach in 1983. Pan Am was purchased by Delta Airlines and Gary flew for Delta until he retired. Gary loved boating, fishing, spending time with family and friends, and traveling.

He and Julia were world travelers and enjoyed over 40 cruises together. Gary will be remembered for his witty sense of humor and his fun-loving spirit.Gary is survived by his wife, Julia; and daughters, Kimberly L. Catt of Virginia Beach, VA, Debora L. Ragland and husband Lee of Williamsburg, VA; mother, Iris B. Lakin of Virginia Beach, VA; grandson, Pierce Lakin Catt; and step-granddaughters, Amanda Ragland and Leigh Ann Luce. He is predeceased by his father, Walter Capps Lakin.

NAL/PAA/DAL Flight Engineer John Taylor
DOB Feb 1, 1940 DOH July 30, 1973 DOD July 12, 2015
USAF Veteran John F. Taylor passed away peacefully onJuly 12th.  He is survived by his beloved wife Kathy, brother Jim (Shirley), two sons Bryan and John (Vicki), and grandchildren Grady and Ryan. John was born in 1940 to Clara and John Taylor of Knoxville, TN.  He served in the Air Force were he found his love for aviation. He later earned his A&P license at George T. Baker which led to his first aviation job at National airlines performing aircraft maintenance.  John went on to become a professional flight engineer at National, Pan Am and Delta Airlines with a career spanning more than 33 years.  He continued to fly with a private pilot’s license and build two of his own experimental aircraft. 

NAL Flight Attendant Doris "Diane" Nelson Long
DOB Feb 23, 1952 DOH Feb 29, 1972 DOD July 10, 2015
Doris “Diane” Long, 63, of Ponce Inlet, Florida, passed away July 10, 2015. Diane was born February 23, 1952, to the late William D. Nelson and Eleanor McKey. She is survived by her sister, Linda Leigh Mullins, and her two nephews, Douglas F. Mullins and Dwight M. Mullins.
Diane was a Florida native who loved to travel and see the world in her youth and, in recent years, with her sister Linda. Diane deeply loved and cherished her family and friends and was often the bright light in any room she entered. She touched many lives with her presence.

NAL/PAA Flight Engineer Herbert M. "Hank" Severn
DOB March 20, 1930 DOH Oct 18, 1965 DOD July 8, 2015
USAF Korean War Veteran, Herbert passed away in Mountain Home, Arkansas at the age of 85. He was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the son of John W. and Edna E. Carmen Severn. He married Kathern Baker on August 9, 1953 at Wichita, Kansas and worked as a Flight Engineer for Pam-Am Airlines. Herbert was a U.S. Air Force veteran of Korean War. Herbert lived in Gamaliel since the 1980's, moving from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Kathern Severn of Gamaliel, AR; son, Steven (Monica) Severn of Pembroke Pines, FL two daughters, Cindy DeBergh of Gamaliel, AR and Belinda C. Severn of Claremont, FL; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild and two sisters, Ila Marie and Goldie

NAL/PAA Flight Attendant Supervisor Ester A. Daugherty
DOB Oct 6, 1926 DOH Feb 27, 1950 DOD June 17, 2015
Esther Arango Daugherty, 88, of Powell, Ohio formerly of Ocala, Florida, died peacefully on Wednesday, June 17, 2015. Esther retired from National Airlines/Pan Am. She was a Stewardess Supervisor on the first commercial flight within the United States, coined "Jet Flight Number 1" from New York to Miami in 1958. She loved traveling and seeing the world with her husband and love of her life, Michael Daugherty.

NAL/PAA Flight Engineer Jesse Lee Hale
DOB Aug 19, 1924 DOH Dec 14, 1955 DOD June 15, 2015
US Army Air Corps WW II Veteran. Records show that Jesse remained a Professional Flight Engineer throughout his career, not withstanding the information below.

Jesse Lee Hale, age 90, of Lenoir City,TN went home to be with our Lord early on June 15, 2015. He was born in Knoxville, Tennessee on August 14, 1924. After finishing high school, he joined the U.S. Army Air-Corp during W. W. II. After the war was over, he went to work for National Airlines in Miami, FL. He continued his education and became a flight engineer and then went on to become a pilot. He worked for them for 35 years, and at the time, he retired he was a pilot for Pan Am. J. L. moved back to Lenoir City with his wife, Elaine, in 1983, where he became active in the Highland Park Ruritan Club and Avery Masonic Lodge for 25 years.

NAL Captain Francis X."Frank" Riley
DOB July 18, 1917 DOH Feb 12, 1948 DOD May 25, 2015
WW II Army Air Corps Veteran
Francis Riley, first American pilot hijacked to Cuba, dies at 97. Frank had survived attacks by Japanese fighters during World War II, but nothing could prepare him for his date with history. Riley, at 43, was the pilot of the first American airliner to be hijacked to Cuba, on May 1, 1961. A World War II hero, Riley died on Memorial Day, May 25, in Fort Lauderdale at 97. "Every time I get on an airplane and go through security I tell them how my dad was the first one to get hijacked and I always get a smile from the TSA people," said his daughter, Patricia Riley. "I think today how flying in the old days was so different." By the fall of 1961, Congress passed a bill making air piracy a capital crime. Security screenings began.
"This character came into the cockpit and put a knife to my throat. In his other hand he held a gun. He said, 'If I don't see Havana in 30 minutes we'll all be dead,'" Riley told the Miami Herald at the time. Antulio Ramirez Ortiz, who booked his ticket under the name of "Elpri Crofesi," taken from a buccaneer in the early 19th century, seized Riley's National Airlines Convair 440, with its eight passengers, over Marathon. Ortiz wanted to alert Fidel Castro of a potential assassination attempt. Riley took evasive actions by zigzagging out of Florida in hopes of attracting attention.

Capt. Don Smith
DOB Sep 6, 1924 DOH Dec 5, 1955 DOD May 29, 2015
Donald W. Smith, of Pembroke Pines, Florida passed away on Friday, May 29, 2015 at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center in Bradenton, Florida. He was 90 years of age. He was born in Westchester, Pennsylvania on September 6, 1924, son of Charles and Jennie Bell (Hoskins) Smith. Mr. Smith enlisted in the United States Army during WW II and served under General Paton in Europe. Following the war, Don returned and became a police officer with the City of Hollywood and later with the Broward County Sherriff's Department. Before his retirement, Don was a Pilot for both National Airlines and Pam Am Airlines following 30 years of service.

Survived by his loving children, Mark (Julie) Smith, Ronald (Lisa) Smith, Sandy Smith and Sara (Mike) MCraw. Also survived by 11 grandchildren, Jason, Nathan, Justin, Micah, Jordan and Austin Smith, Kyle, Sawyer, Savannah, Casey and Julia McCraw, great grandchildren, Ashley, Hunter, Urijah, Logan, Summer, Emma and Julian. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Birgit Viola (Hedenskoog) Smith in 2011.

F/A Diane Phillips Smith
May 10, 1948 ~ May 16, 2015
Diane Phillips Smith, 67, of Homestead, Florida, passed away peacefully in her home on May 16, 2015. She was born on May 10, 1948 in Ogden, Utah to Freda Rosene Bowns and Alvin Miles Phillips. She grew up in Slaterville, Utah and graduated from Weber High School in 1966. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was an airline stewardess for National Airlines. She married the love of her life James Smith, and then later made their home in Florida. Diane and Jim both worked for Batch Air for a number of years. She enjoyed traveling, photography, socializing, fishing, dancing and loved her animals.

Capt. Jesse E. Trevathan
DOB Jan 11, 1921 DOH Dec 27, 1945 DOD April 26, 2015
US Army Air Corps Veteran
Jesse E. Trevathan, Jr. (94), of Vero Beach, FL, died of complications from lung cancer and CHF at “martini time” April 26, 2015 at home with his loving wife of 48 years, Laila, and children at his side. Born in 1921 in Laurens, SC to parents Jesse and Mary, he was the third of seven children. Jesse is survived by his brother, Louis and two sisters, Mary Catherine and Vivian. A teenager and senior class valedictorian during the Great Depression, Jesse attended UNC-Chapel Hill when events in Pearl Harbor inspired him to contribute to the war effort by joining the Army Air Corps. He successfully captained 87 missions over the “Hump” in a B-24 Liberator during World War II earning two DFC’s.

Capt. Alton G. Graham
September 8, 1941 - April 22, 2015
Alton Gregory Graham passed away quietly on April 22, 2015. He was born in Fairhope, AL and grew up in Summerdale. As a young boy Al dreamed of flying the F-8 Crusader jet. He made that dream come true as a U.S.M.C. fighter pilot. He served in Viet Nam as well as other bases worldwide. As a former fellow fighter squadron pilot recently said “Al made that plane do things it was not supposed to be capable of”. Al was a career airline pilot having flown for National Airlines, Pan American Airways and Delta Airlines. He is survived by his wife Diana (Armstrong) and his son. Al is most proud of that amazing son Major Christopher Armstrong Graham, U.S.M.C. and his beautiful family; wife Tricia (Smith) and his “little man” Conor. He was preceded in death by his parents Lorene (Morgan) and Alton Dewey Graham as well as his brother Norman.

Al is survived by his brothers; Nathan and A.D. Graham, his sisters-in-law Barbara (Brown) and Kathy, his brothers-in-law Bill and Thomas Armstrong (Karen), as well as his beloved “second mother” Aunt Euvada (Morgan) and Uncle Dick Steffler along with his Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. Al will no doubt be remembered as a gentle, kind man who loved aviation and could fly anything. He will be dearly missed by his many friends in and outside of aviation as well as his neighbors who could always count on him for a favor, a smile or his wry wit. GOD’s grace was evident in all aspects of Al’s life. He worked to achieve and live his dreams. And, while we did not get the miracle we were all hoping for there can be no denying the many miracles of grace, goodness and kindness surrounding him in his last days.

Capt. Alto Joseph Furlong Jr.
DOB March 3, 1934 DOH Jan 25, 1965 DOD April 21, 2015
Born in Indianapolis IN where he attended Cathedral High School. He began flying at the age of 16 with his father, becoming the first father & son helicopter team in Teterboro, NJ. He flew for various small airlines, including helicopters, where he met his loving wife, Marilyn. They were married on December 31, 1956 in Santa Monica CA. He was then drafted into the United States Army in 1956 where he served in Fort Eustis, VA. There was a parade in his honor as a training instructor. He then flew for North American Aviation in Los Angeles, CA before being hired by National Airlines in September of 1959.
He flew as a Captain on the 727 & DC10 and then flew with Pan Am on the A-300. After Pan Am, he flew with Air Afrique until he retired in 1994. He was an avid golfer, a member of the Country Club of Miami, The National Buccaneers and The Quiet Birdmen. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Marilyn, and his beloved children Alisa DeCarolis, Kathleen Bas and Alto Furlong III. He also left behind his grandchildren, Steven DeCarolis, Stacey DeCarolis, (Anthony DeCarolis, predeceased), and Ryan Bas. He also left behind 2 great grandchildren, Emily & Ethan Ford.

Pilot Harry Irving Bay
DOB Dec 26, 1914 YOH 1942 DOD April 16, 2015
Harry Irving Bay, 100, passed away at Beach House Assisted Living in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, on April 16, 2015. Mr. Bay was born in a small town near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, on December 26, 1914, one of ten children of Samuel Leon Bay and Esphira Shapira Bay. In his late teens and twenties he traveled extensively by motorcycle and train throughout the United States, working a variety of odd jobs.

Capt. Leslie C. Jacobs
DOB April 5, 1948 DOH Jan 1, 1979 DOD March 15, 2015
Leslie Charles Jacobs, 66, died Sunday, March 15, 2015. He is survived by his loving children: Karin Jacobs Woodruff (Chad), Leigh Jacobs Willingham (Lee) and Rebecca Jacobs. Surviving grandchildren are Addison Hope Woodruff and Charles Parks Woodruff. He was preceded in death by his wife, Emily Coker Jacobs. Leslie was a member of the Talladega High School Class of 1966 and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1970. While at the University, he was a member of the Varsity Tennis Team and later admitted into the A-Club. Leslie was a veteran of the United States Air Force and enjoyed a long decorated career with National Airlines, Pan-Am and Delta as a Captain flying around the world. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Talladega and Caravan Men’s Sunday School Class.

Capt. Richard H. "Dick" Peeples, Jr.
DOB May 10, 1932 DOH May 16, 1966 DOD March 8, 2015.
On March 8, GOD reached out his gentle hands and gathered Dick up into his loving arms. Besides God, Dick had three loves in his life. Foremost was the love for his family. Jeanne his wife of 61 years plus the 5 years they were together before marriage. Jeanne was fourteen years old and Richard being sixteen years old when they met. Three wonderful children followed. First being our beautiful daughter, Jeannine, then Richard H the 3rd (Joanne), and finally Gregory Scott (Rita). We have also been Blessed with three grandchildren, Richard H the 4th, Brett Michael, and Lindsey Leigh. The other loves of his life were flying and boating/fishing. Jeanne’s first boating trip with Dick, she fell overboard. Not being able to swim, but not drowning, she knew he was the one for her. They spent every July fishing and cruising the Bahamas. Richard the 3rd aka Captain Bric took to the water becoming a well known fishing captain. Greg enjoyed the water as well but like his father, flying was his passion. He is an eighteen year Captain with Spirit Airlines.

Dick’s career was colorful and fun. After graduating from the University of Miami, he entered the Air Force. The next eleven years he spent on active duty. After flight training, he flew KC97’s and then transferred to B47’s. During the Cuban Missile Crisis he spent his days sitting in his plane on the tarmac with a Hydrogen Bomb strapped under his seat waiting for the call to take off. After eleven years on active duty, he transferred to the Air Force Reserves. In the following years he flew first with National Airlines and then Pan American Airlines. Excitement followed him in the airlines, being the second airplane hijacked to Cuba. That flight and the negotiations to get him, the crew, and the plane back was and anxious procedure. He was the only pilot hijacked twice. 13 of April 1966, he was Honorably Discharged from the United States Air Force. In the Reserves, he flew the HU16 accompanying President Nixon on overwater trips. He retired from the Reserves on the 30th of March 1978.