Pat Epps has flown West

[Dave Theisen]

The Georgia aviation community has lost a legend. Pat Epps passed away today. His father, Ben Epps, was the first to fly in Georgia in 1907. He owned a great FBO at PDK from 1965 until 2023. He entertained many with his airshow performances in his aerobatic Bonanza, including at Oshkosh. Many may know him as one of the driving forces in recovering the P-38, Glacier Girl from under 260 feet of ice in Greenland. He promoted general aviation and helped so many get their start in this industry that his contributions are immeasurable.

I personally, am honored to call him my boss and friend since 2007.

Blue Skies, sir.

 

[Pugs]

A fourth cousin of mine. I only met him a couple times though and we did attend the Epps reunion and day after party at his house/airstrip in Alabama where I got my first J-3 rides. Edit. Me at 12 years old sitting in a Herring-Curtis replica at his farm.

 

[Racerx]

Had to go down the YouTube rabbit hole and watch how they brought the p38 back to life. Was unfamiliar with the story.

Truly phenomenal.

 

[Bill]

Dave, sorry for your loss.

 

[Initial Fix]

Sad loss. I met him when he brought pieces of glacier girl to Oshkosh many years ago.

 

[Flocker]

Here's my last memory of him. OSH 2022. We ran into him in the FBO and he gave us a ride to show central in his private golf cart. Truly a great person, excellent pilot, and gracious host. His passion for aviation was inspiring. He will be missed by many. Blue skies & tailwinds my friend.

 

[Dave Theisen]

A fourth cousin of mine. I only met him a couple times though and we did attend the Epps reunion and day after party at his house/airstrip in Alabama where I got my first J-3 rides. Edit. Me at 12 years old sitting in a Herring-Curtis replica at his farm.

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I had been invited to the 4th of July parties, but unfortunately never made it.

 

[Dave Theisen]

I was honored that he came to my surprise birthday party back in August.