Dedicated to Friends, Past and Present
John Edward Molis
June 8, 1942 - August 23, 2025
John Edward Molis of Peachtree City, Ga. passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, at home with his wife, Penny, at his side. He fought a courageous battle with esophageal cancer for the past year.
John was born on June 8, 1942, in Niagara Falls, NY to Arlene and Edward Molis. He attended several schools before graduation from Hamburg Central High School in 1960. After graduation, he attended The University of Rochester and received a BS degree in mechanical engineering. After a year working at Boeing on the Minuteman Missile, he was called to active duty in the Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain. He made lifelong friends in his pilot class and enjoyed their friendship for the rest of his life. After serving as a C141 pilot in the Vietnam War, he attended the University of California Berkeley and received a master’s degree in industrial engineering in 1971.
John began his career in the airline industry in Atlanta at Southern Airways in the Operation Control Center in 1973. Prior to the merger of Shuttle Airways with North Central Airline to form Republic Express, John moved to Arkansas to operate a regional airline, Scheduled Skyways. He eventually moved to Peachtree City and was self-employed as an airline consultant until his retirement. He was a founding partner of Republic Express and Northwest Airlink, shuttle airlines. John was a founding member of the Fayette Community Bank which later became Regions Bank. He served on the Board of Directors for many years.
John’s family was very special to him, and he spent much time in Denver visiting with his parents and brother, Jim and his family. He began golfing at age seven with his father and continued to golf until he had to stop at age 80 for health issues. He enjoyed his weekly golf outings with his golf buddies and playing golf with Penny all over the world. They enjoyed golf vacations to Pebble Beach, TPC Sawgrass, Banff, Canada, just to name a few.
In 2000, John was introduced to his wife and best friend, Penny. They spent the next 25 years traveling the world together and enjoying each day. They enjoyed entertaining friends in their home with dinner parties and fine dining in restaurants. They attended many golf tournaments with the Georgia Senior Men’s Golf Association, with Waynesville, NC as their favorite each year. They took fabulous trips, starting with a honeymoon cruise around the Hawaiian Islands and later adventures included an African safari, tours of China, Jerusalem, Egypt, Europe, Caribbean, and Alaska.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Arlene and Edward Molis, and brother and sister-in-law, Ronald Molis (Colette). He is survived by his wife, Penny; one brother, James P. Molis (Charlene); nephews, Jonathan Molis (Denise Dufresne) and Justin Molis (Debbie); niece, Jennifer Molis (Dr Daniel Pittman); sisters-in-law: Camille Waddell and Candace Parks (Bill); nieces, Anna Waddell, Natalie Parks, Amanda Messa (Tim); nephews, Brannon Parks, Austin Waddell and Dr. Brad Waddell (Jenny); eight grand nieces and nephews, and his loyal kitty companions, King Louie and Willie.
The family will host a service to celebrate John’s life at St Andrews in the Pines Episcopal Church at 2:00 on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
The family is requesting no flowers. Donations are requested to be made in his memory to St Andrews in the Pines Episcopal Church; 316 N Peachtree Pkwy; Peachtree City, Ga. 30269
Mowell Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Peachtree City, www.mowells.com
Celebration of Life
Saturday, August 30, 2025
2:00PM
St Andrew's in the Pines Episcopal Church - Peachtree City
316 N Peachtree Pkwy
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Obituary