News & Events

January 2008

Further information on Ken Grantham from his daughter, Gwen Grantham Gary:

"Daddy worked for the Braves for a number of years and then went to work for the Atlanta Falcons. He was their Ticket Director when he died in 1985. He had lung cancer from all those years of smoking!

Mom and Dad bought a house in Rex, GA in 1974 and moved to what was then the country. It was a beautiful home with a huge yard. Mom and Dad had a big garden. We ate great from all those wonderful vegetables they grew. Mom lived there until she died in 2000.

They had the three kids. I am the oldest, then my brother who is 2 years younger and then my baby sister who is 4 years younger than me. They also two grandchildren - my daughter and my sister's daughter. After Daddy died my brother and his wife also had a > daughter. My parents adored the girls. Daddy called them "his grandbabies" till the day he died. They were 16 and 15 years old then!

Daddy was a very smart man. He was self-taught. He was one of 12 and only got to go to school through the 9th grade. He loved to read and write. He was also a talented artist. He could do anything he put his mind to.

Sorry, I didn't mean to go on and on. I sure do miss him and mom. I love looking at the Southern Airways website. It brings back lots of memories from when we were kids and when we went to the Christmas party and Santa flew in and gave us presents. That was so neat. My parents weren't wealthy so that was so cool!

I will look for any photos and make copies if I can locate them. I know we had some of Daddy in his uniform and of the Christmas parties.

Take care..... Thanks for what you do. It so nice to remember.

Gwen Gary

******

October 3, 2007

Bill White has informed me that Chester Meares has been diagnosed with lung cancer and it has metastasized into other areas. He is at his sister's house in Tampa. He has a 24 hour hospice nurse and is on morphine for pain. Please keep Chester in your prayers.

Jim (Robinson)

**
Editor's note: The address is in our online Directory.

*****

Thursday, July 5, 2007

As the editor of bigjetcity.com I have been contacted by Rishworth aviation, a group looking to recruit US pilots to fly overseas. I have posted the information they sent on www.bigjetcity.com . If any of you have had any contact with the company and could provide a reference ......... good or bad, please do so immediately. I think there are several pilots out there who would appreciate any info you may have.

Thank you,

Le Anne Ottmann

editor@bigjetcity.com

PS The Senior pilots coalition is looking for pilots from Florida to attend a meeting with Senators Martinez and Nelson. I believe retirees are also welcome ----if you are a pilot active or retired and could spend a day in DC please let me know, if you can't go but would let us carry your "proxy" in, please send your name, city you live in and airline to me or to thegreeksenator@aol.com . Thanks for all your help!

July 4, 2007

Have a former employee looking for a car tag with the last logo. If you can help me out, please send me an email. Thanks, Lillian (weblil@yahoo.com)

Also, for those collectors who use the auction sites, there are some SOU items worth noting that are for sale.

If you are looking for specific items, let me know and I'll post a request for you here.

June 6, 2007

From Ira Tucker:

"I talked with Bill Rowley and he wishes his regards to everyone. He remembers y'all fondly. He is living in Dallas and is retired and doing well. Please pass this along to those you know would have known Bill."

(Check out Obits page for Captain Buck's final arrangements. Editor.)

Sunday, May 6, 2007

I am writing this email on behalf of my mother, Patsy, to let all of Dad's former co-workers and friends know of his situation. Dad has been in declining health in recent years, and has been battling Alzheimer's for a while now. He suffered another stroke yesterday (Saturday) and is now unable to take in any nourishment. Hospice is here and are doing their best to keep him comfortable. He is in pain and unable to communicate to us what is hurting. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days.

Thank you,

Susanna Buck Register

Contact info:

Capt. Henry and Patsy Buck

105 Upper Mill Rd

Conway, SC 29527

843-397-6151

*****

Friday, May 4, 2007

Vickie Ray Bahr is home from the hospital and resting after her stroke. She would enjoy hearing from you, and her address is:
240 Thornton Drive
Fayetteville, GA 30214

Her telephone number is 770-461-5110 if you want to just say "hello".

*****

Received: Sunday, April 22, 2007

Re: James C. (Jim) Kinnard

Lillian

Jim just got home from Vanderbilt hospital. He had surgery to remove a pre-cancerous growth from his small intestine and his gall bladder while they were in there. He spent 7 days in Vanderbilt. He is home and recovering nicely. ......

His phone # is 931-967-4056 if anyone out there would like to call him.

Janet Kinnard

*****

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

RE: Vickie Bahr

...my daughter Vickie has had a mild stroke and is in Southern Regional Hospital. Her telephone number is: 770-909-2473, if anyone would like to give her a call....

Thanks,

H.A. RAY

*****

April 12, 2007

Re: Paul Richardson

Paul is a former station agent in MGM and long time agent in BHM. Paul has been sent home from hospital with Hospice. His phone number at home is 205 823-2237. Paul was sent home last week and given between 1 month and 4 months. ... He loves phone calls. He is not able to receive all he gets, so you may have to try calling more than once.

Thanks, Don Hardin retired agent from BHM

**
Editor's Note:
Paul's address for cards is:
3462 Heather Lane
Hoover, AL 36216

*****

April 4, 2007

Had further report that Vernon was seen at Fayette County Hospital on April 3, getting more tests. He reported he had a stroke but seemed to be recovering from it pretty well.

*****

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Have had a note that Vernon Baxley has had a stroke. Does anyone have any information on this?

Lillian

*****

February 10, 2007

Jim Boyles would love to hear from us ....

Here is Jim's address if you don't call maybe a humorous card or letter I know he will appreciate it very much.

J. O. Boyles
8502 Jefferson Hwy.
Baton Rouge La. 70809

tele # 678-758-8763 (678 is a local ATL exchange so you can call at no charge.)

*****

October 26, 2006

Putting together a couple of emails I've gotten it sounds like Sam Little has had a heart attack. He goes back to the hospital on November 1, 2006, for defibrillation and to install a pacemaker.

For those who want to send a card his address is: 4624 Seminole Drive, Gainesville, GA. 30506.

(His information in the Directory was incorrect as his email failed on me and he did not respond to a USPS mailing I sent..)

*****

From Jim Robinson, October 24, 2006

Re: Palmer Bridges

Palmer will be moved today to the Southwest Christian Hospice at 7225 Lester Road in Union City, GA. There they will provide 24/7 care and be better able to control his pain medication. He will be able to have visitors but you might want to call first. Their number is 770-969-8354.

Jim

*****

September 15, 2006

I know we have not corresponded very much of late, but I wanted to give you my new e-mail address just in case you had a note you wanted to send. I would love to hear from you – a personal message, how you doin’, what you doin’ etc. and I will answer.

This address comes in on Gene’s computer where I can read and respond; but PLEASE don’t forward jokes and other cute stuff.

Love to all

Kay
gp9487@bellsouth.net
(Kay Davison Peters)

*****

July 25, 2006

Update on Jim Boyles: "Jim is doing "fine". He is still the same ....... loves getting cards and or phone calls. His address is:

Jim Boyles
8502 Jefferson Hwy
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

His cell phone number is 678-758-8763.

Thanks for asking. Take care.

Pat (Lowry)"

*****

June 27, 2006

Heard from Ron Kattawar ..... He wants to thank everyone ..he is "well past the cardiac rehab, fell great and have a whole new lease on life!" "Thank you all for your prayers and best wishes. Prayers work!"

*****

Thursday, May 4, 2006

Please check Obits for Howard Bryant's funeral arrangements.

*****

Update 5-2-06: See Obituaries

Monday, April 24, 2006
From Bill Butler

Howard Bryant has problems with his health - Parkinson's Disease and Sugar D problems. If you would like to lift his spirits, contact them:

   Howard & Betty Bryant
   6374 Prairie View
   Bartlett, TN 38134
   Home - 901-388-8782
   Cell - 901-299-6178

*****

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Ed Smith <dewey493@yahoo.com>
Apr 18, 2006 9:30 PM
Subject: Fwd: Ron Kattawar

"Just wanted to make sure that everyone is aware of the fact that Ron (Kattawar) has had a massive heart attack and is scheduled for bypass surgery in the morning.

This info is from Guy Allred, and I also received a note from Ron's neice.

Let's keep Ron in our thoughts and prayers during this time. I will let you all know if I hear anything. And if you all hear anything new, please let everyone know..

Barb Newton"

*****

March 10, 2006

From John Roney:

... please pass on to all that ... Mike Edson has been admitted to Southern Regional with stage 4 cancer. I'll try to get more info as it's available.

*****

February 17, 2006

From Edwin M. (Mike) Edson

12/26/05 on Christmas holiday in Norfolk, VA with my wife Faith an her family. Ended up at emergency room due to pain in right hip. X-ray showed some spots on left and right side of pelvis. At home further test found originated in lung. Currently started chemo 2/13 and radition began 2/15.

*****

February 16, 2006

Received from Peg:

"To all of Dennis Kline's friends, and he has so many.

Dennis's cancer has taken a turn for the worse. They were unable to do the procedure to halt the liver cancer. His kidneys have started to shut down down. Dennis wanted to go home and Marge brought him home yesterday and a hospice has been called in. Ellen and I were able to see Dennis yesterday and he is very weak but alert. Dennis and his family need all of our thoughts and prayers at this time. We will keep you posted

russ"

*****

NOTE February 16, 2006: See Obits

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

"From: "Tom Schoenherr" <cleanoldman@earthlink.net>
Date: 2006/02/14 Tue PM 12:12:29 EST
Subject: Update on Joe Kolman

Some of you may already know that Joe has slipped quietly into a very restful and quiet coma. He has fought a valiant battle against his disease and has outlived all of the time predictions we were given. It is our hope that he will peacefully slip into the next life at his home.

I will let you know the arrangements when the time comes."

*****

February 12, 2006

Update on June Crider: She has been hospitalized for a "procedure" and is still there. It is unknown how long she will be hospitalized and she is losing her hearing, so the best thing at this point would be to send cards and notes. Her home information is in the Directory.

*****

January 31, 2006

E.R. Rainwater fell; has broken bone in back and needs complete bed rest for six weeks. You'll find her information in the Directory.

*****

From: "Tom Schoenherr" <cleanoldman@earthlink.net>
Date: 2006/01/22 Sun AM 11:57:45 EST
Subject: Mike Crowell

Forwarded:

"I received this from Mike Crowell this morning.

Date: Sat, 21 Jan 2006 5:49:15 PM Eastern Standard Time

As you may have heard I had a heart cath. Friday 13.. and I am back home from St. Joes. Hospital in ATL with 5 stents in my little heart. I
am doing fine and thanks for your support and prayers.... I am ready to go fishing ...maybe Tuesday...Mikie

*****

December 26, 2005

Rand Peck, a RC / NWA Captain has set up a couple of sites you might enjoy.

website: www.stickandrudderaviation.com

blogsite: randsaviationphotos.blogspot.com

*******

Sat, 3 Dec 2005 - Palmer Bridges and Jack Daughtry

I had the pleasure of receiving a phone call from Palmer today.

He asked me to thank everyone for the cards and prayers that you have sent. He has been overwhelmed by the extent of your concern for his well being. He said, “I am not physically able to personally thank everyone and to express how grateful we are that so many people have supported and prayed for us. Would you (Keith) please tell everyone that we are thankful for their support and let them know that I feel that it has really helped me to get better?”

Palmer told me that he is free from the head pain and the double vision, proof that the tumor is shrinking. He still has many radiation treatments before doctors can begin to treat his blood with chemotherapy. He is feeling a bit stronger but not well enough at this time to have visitors. He did say that he could have limited phone calls at his home (770-461-3742).

Keith’s comment:

Palmer has to travel to Emory Hospital daily for his treatments, which in itself is very tiring. He will need an extended period of time to gain strength from all that he has endured for the past couple of months. Your cards and prayers really help so please continue to keep the Bridges family in your thoughts.)

Other news:

Jack Daughtry has been undergoing treatment for an extended period of time with a drug that is used to help strengthen his heart muscle. This drug is administered by a pump through a permanent tube that runs through a vein directly to his heart. Jack’s heart has strengthened enough that the doctors have removed the drug and will remove the tube next week. This will give time for the vein to recover from any irritation caused by the line (tube). We are thankful his heart has become well enough to allow this procedure. His doctor is amazed by Jack’s strength and tenacity but then he hasn’t know Jack as long as we have! ……Continue to keep Jack and Ann in your prayers.

*******

Tuesday, November 1, 2005

Just received an update on June Crider, here's a little information to share:

"June is in an assisted living facility right now - but her sister picks up her mail for her, so cards should still go to her house. She has had
chemo and radiation is getting around with a walker. The radiation helped the vibration in her head which has been a real relief to her."

If you haven't sent a card or note, consider putting it on your list to do so. And if you have sent a card or note, please continue to let her know you are thinking of her.

*****

Monday, October 10, 2005

From Russ Carroll:

    I have played golf with a retired NWA pilot for years. He has been after me to join the "RNPA" (Retired Northwest Pilots Assoc.) Due to the recent events, I decided to join and attended their annual convention, held this year at Wright Patterson AF Museum in Dayton, OH, October 1,2, & 3. They have a convention, in different cities each year, plus smaller, localized events. This is a strictly social group, they were all friendly and the President, Gary Pisel, invited all ex-Republic pilots to join. You can get membership information at their web-site which is: www.RNPA.org. The dues are $30. a year. They have a total membership of 1,085. This includes several ex-Republic pilots.
In addition to RNPA, they have formed a group called, "NWA Retired Pilot's Benefit Guardian Association". "Guardian" has hired a lawyer and has advisors on how to best protect our pension benefits during this period of bankruptcy. They are asking for $100. dues at present. I think this is money well spent and is easier than forming a group of our own. To join this organization, e-mail, "J.Dittberner@
comcast.net" and ask for a membership application.
    I attended a business meeting while in Dayton, where the NWA Bankruptcy was discussed. The process is confusing, at best, and it remains to be seen what course the Company will take. Generally speaking, the legal advisors feel that NWA's Pension plans are in the best shape of all the "Legacy" carriers.
    One option the Company could take is to freeze the Plan. This would be good for older, already retired pilots, like myself, which should continue receiving about 98% of their current benefits. Another option is for the Judge to order Pension Plan Termination. This happened at United and USAir, and Delta has requested Plan Termination. If this happens, the Government Pension Benefit Guarantee Board would assume pension payment. In this case, the oldest, retired pilot would receive 100% payment, working down to the younger retiree's. At age 68, I would receive about 90% of my benefit. The bottom line is, if you are at least 63, you would see only a small reduction. The surviving spouse benefits remain in place. The bad news is, if the Pension Plan is terminated, our "Excess Fund" payment would be most likely terminated. Also, NWA Health Care & Drug Benefits would be lost.
    The "Guardian" Board stressed the importance of contacting your Representatives & Senators, urging them to support the Airline Pension Relief Bills currently before Congress. The House Bill is H.R. 2106 and the Senate Bill is S.H. 61.   These bills, if passed, would give the Airline Industry a longer period of time to fund their plans.   I think these groups are worth joining, especially the "Guardian" group. These guys are serious since a NWA pilot would lose more than we would.

Russ Carroll, ex-Southern/Republic Pilot

*****

If anyone would like to send a card to Allen's wife, her address is:
Connie McGraw
102 Bellair Lane
Stockbridge, GA 30281

Re: Allen McGraw

Fowarded From: Peggy

Date: Sun, 2 Oct 2005 02:55:32 +0000

I was informed today that Allen was killed while working for Pike Electric. His funeral was today. I (Mark Lane) talked to his wife Connie and she really appreciated the call even though she did not know me. She told me that she knew he had many friends from NWA, but with them being spread out she had not received many calls. When I called the person that answered the phone told me she would call me back, but wanted to know who was calling. When I told her that I was with NWA, she said hold on she wants to talk. . She is so hurt with this loss, she needs our support.

Please remember Allen's family in your prayers and if anyone has the address please let me know and I will send it out.

If you would like to call Connie her number is 770-474-9837.

*****

September 25, 2005

"I am searching for Robert Dalton who would have worked for Southern Airways in the mid to late 60's. a friend of mine worked with him while in the army and she would like to connect with him. please let me know if you have any information you could pass on to me. Thank you in advance!!!!!
Tina Boettcher
612-558-1736
tina_marie_68@yahoo.com
*****

Date: September 22, 2005
Requested posting from: C. David Cox

http://www.dp3.org/

Go to this site.

Check it out and if you want to start one for the NWA retirees…let me know here.

Pass this to every one you know. I have about 100 names.

As retirees, we are not represented by anyone to the company or the SPGC…

Consider this. Then respond.

C.David Cox
cdcox@numail.org

*****

Saturday, August 27, 2005 9:57 PM

Re: Thomas Wayne Cleveland

"Hello to all,
Just wanted to give you an update on Daddy's condition. He has been in the hospital since Sun., Aug. 21. He had his last chemo treatment on Tuesday, August
16 & they replaced his stem cells on Thurs. & Fri. of that same week. Because of high temp, vomitting, & other symptoms he was admitted to the hospital. The doctor says that all of this is normal. They gave him blood on Wed. & Thurs. & he was feeling some better, but he has developed horrible mouth ulcers, under his tongue & down his throat. He still can't eat much & his fever goes up & down. The doctor says that maybe by Wed. or Thurs. of next week he will start to feel
better. He will be in the hospital until at least then. Mother is staying with him at night & coming home for a couple of hours during the day. They really need everyone's prayers for strength to endure the next few weeks. Maybe by the end of Sept. he will be feeling great. He wanted all of you to know that as soon as he is back home & feeling up to it he will write. He is in a "germ free" room with a limit on visitors, but he would greatly appreciate your phone calls. He is in Hunstville Hospital, room #794, phone # 265-8794. I will continue to give you updates & I check his emails daily. If you want to write him I can print it & take it to him.

Keep in touch, he loves to hear from all of you.
Connie Tucker
(The oldest daughter)"

Source: Chuck Tippitt

*****

Saturday, August 27, 2005

Just received from Karen Ellis:

"June Crider has bone cancer and is really not doing well. She can't take phone calls since the cancer is in her ear, too, and she doesn't
want visitors. Cards are welcome, though:

243 W. Paris St.
Huntington, TN 38344"

*****

From: "Tom Schoenherr" <cleanoldman@earthlink.net>
Date: 2005/08/17 Wed AM 09:33:14 EDT
Subject: Paul Bernth (black cloud)

Paul was injured in an hangar door incident on 8 Aug. He had broken his pelvis in 2 places, and had 6 broken ribs. I don't know if he had other internal injuries. He was in intensive care at University of Michigan Ann Arbor hospital.

Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2005 10:32 PM
Subject: Fw: Paul's update

This is a communication Gail sent. It pretty well says it all. We are staying with Paul and Peggy, doing what we can for Peggy. Their phone 734-266-8450.

Good News!! Paul is out of intensive care and has been moved to a rehab floor. Last Wednesday, he almost was intubated and put on a ventilator.....but he pulled out of it. They seem to be still determining the smaller injuries, now that the major ones are stable. Anyway, he will begin rehab and was accepted into the elite PM & R program with 3-4 hours of physical therapy a day. He'll be able to put weight on his right leg in three months. Until then the left leg will do all the work.
Thanks for your caring and prayers. He's on unit 6A by the East elevators in U of M Hospital.

Paul's email address is: paulbernth@yahoo.com
*****

"Sunday, July 24, 2005 3:01 pm

I have been in touch with Audrey Knight about every other day. Audrey has been staying in Atlanta close to the hospital.

Terry remains in very critical condition in the ICU at Piedmont Hospital. He continues to be helped with his breathing by a respirator but the nurses say he breathes “over the respirator”, meaning that he does most of the breathing on his own. He has been on kidney dialysis and that has helped greatly to release a lot of fluid from his body.

Terry is kept medicated so that he isn’t in a lot of distress; it is a light sleep state. Terry has been found to be allergic to the drug Heparin, which complicates any chance for surgery and he has a blood infection that is being treated with antibiotics.

The family has a meeting scheduled with a doctor at St. Joseph’s Hospital for Tuesday morning to discuss any options that may be available for Terry’s treatment.

Audrey has told me of the family’s gratitude for the prayers, well wishes and cards they have received. Terry is fighting very hard to get better, he is getting excellent medical help but it remains with a higher power to determine the outcome. Prayers and cards mean a lot to the family so please continue to support them in that way.

I will continue to report on Terry’s condition as I receive updates.

Yours,

Keith Heefner"

*****

From: Vlbahr1@aol.com
Date: 2005/07/23 Sat PM 04:21:56 EDT
Subject: H. A. Ray in hospital.................

Just wanted to let everyone know that Daddy is in Southern Regional Hospital. He went in yesterday (Friday), having trouble
breathing. His heart was racing, but his pace maker would slow it down. Right now, all of his numbers are off and they're having trouble getting everything back to normal. He is in stable condition now and breathing on his own. He is in Intensive Care - room #255. The phone number there is 770-909-2255.

Please feel free to call or visit. You know he loves getting calls and company. Thanks and please keep him in your prayers.

(Vicki Bahr)

*****
Thursday, July 14, 2005

"From: Keith Heefner [mailto:heefnerk@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2005 5:06 PM
To: Keith’s Retired Pilots List

Thursday, July 14, 2005, 3:30PM

Terry was delivered to the surgical unit at Piedmont Hospital at 6:30 this morning. He was in his usual good spirits but very weak in body.

While he was under anesthesia doctors preformed a sonogram of the heart through the esophagus. It was determined that the Mitral Valve was leaking considerably more than was previously known and the doctors decided that it should be replaced. Once the surgery was actually begun, it became evident that the pericardium was not a factor. There was a lot of scar tissue around the heart and chest cavity from previous surgeries. The doctor freed the heart from much of the scar tissue and drained a lot of fluid from the chest and lungs. The mitral valve could not be replaced because of so much scar tissue around the aorta and Terry’s condition made it apparent to the doctor that he probably would not survive the surgery if they continued.

Terry’s general condition has deteriorated during the last week. He has decreased renal and heart function but the doctors are hopeful that treatment with medications can get him strong enough for a different surgical procedure sometime next week. He is currently in an Intensive Care Unit breathing with the aid of a ventilator. They will keep him unconscious until he can be weaned from the ventilator. His overall condition can only be described as critical.

Terry is in very great need of prayer. The doctors are doing all that they can but there comes a time when we can only depend on a Higher Authority.

Yours,

Keith Heefner

*****

"Monday, July 11, 2005

This is an update on Terry Knight.

I learned today that Terry Knight has been at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta for the last 15 days. He has had continuing problems since his last heart bypass surgery. He has a lot of fluid retention and difficulty breathing. His doctors has concluded that the pericardium (the tissue sack surrounding the heart) has become hardened. They say that this can result from multiple surgeries. The cure would be to remove the pericardium. Apparently we can live without it.

The medical plan as of this evening is that on Wednesday of this week Terry will have a "right side heart catheterization" to try to determine more information about the pressures in the heart. Then on Thursday surgery is planned to remove the pericardium. All this is subject to change as the doctors consider all the test results. This is a very serious situation for Terry. He continues to be in good spirits but he is not comfortable because of the difficulty with breathing.

Please be in prayer for Terry and his family.

I will update you as I receive more information.

Keith Heefner"

Editor's Note: Terry is in Room 324, Piedmont Hospital, 1968 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30309.

*****

From:    PHIDELT1@aol.com
Sent:     Tuesday, May 31, 2005 7:44 PM
To:         weblil@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Fw: Betty is gone ....:

Lillian,

Attached is a copy of my mother (Betty C. Harris) obit and picture. (Editor's Note: These can be viewed on the Obituary Page) We will be holding a memorial service in Peachtree City, Georgia on Sunday, July 31 and another memorial service for her west coast friends at Cannon Beach, Oregon on Saturday August 13. If any one is interested in attending please have them email be for specifics

Gloria McCullar was honored for her work in all aspects of inflight safety during her 40 years of service as a flight attendant and received a Safety Award. In addition to her duties as a flight attendant she served in several capacities in air safety organizations, provided competency check rides, and provided numerous contributions toward running a safe airline.

Larry Stevick, husband of former Southern employee, Martha Roberts Stevick, has received an Excellence Award for 2004. Larry is a DC-9 Senior Specialist Engineer and received the award for providing "exemplary engineering support throughout the year" and was also recognized for his superior work on the sub fleet modification, working long hours and weekends to ensure the job got done. Well done Larry!