John Edward Green

John Edward Green was born at Emory University Hospital November 20, 1934 to John Howell Green, Jr. and Helen Causey Green.  His father was a native of Decatur, GA and his mother was from Warner Robins, Houston County, Georgia.  John lived in Decatur, attending Glenwood Grammar School, except for one year at Darlington School in Rome, GA.   He graduated from Decatur High in 1953.  While in High School he was on the Track Team for 4 years, JROTC for 4 years - attaining the rank of Cadet Major in charge of the Rifle Team.  In his high school junior year he won the National William Randolph Hurst Small Bore Rifle Match and in 1951 he joined the US Naval Air Reserves.  In April 1957, while on active duty, he was sent to Cabanas Field, Corpus Christi, Texas and later was sent to Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas where he served until his release from active duty in April 1959.  

He attended Georgia Institute of Technology for three years and Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas for one year; however, flying airplanes was his absolute dream and was a passion of his life.

He received flight training at Epps Aviation Flight School for Commercial, Instrument, Multiengine Flight Instructor and for Airline Transport Pilot status. His flight training continued for many years with Flight Safety International, SimuFlight, Quick Turn, The Eisenhauer Corporation, SimCom International, Inc., Atlantic Southeast Airlines,  Cessna Chief Pilot Center and with the FAA for Pilot Examiner Standardization training in 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984 and 1986.  He had over 30 years experience in Airport Management, FAA Manual Preparation, Flight Instruction, Pilot Services, Pilot Examination and Flight Checks . He was designated by the FAA as FAR 135 Check Airman for three charter companies. He administered flight checks and issued approval for pilots to fly charter flights under FAR 135.  He also conducted accident investigations and provided Expert Witness testimonies in trial proceedings.   His Designations included Flight Instruction, Single and Multi-engine, Instrument Airplane, Ground Instructor, and was a FAA Designated Pilot Examiner from 1974 to 1986, was also an FAA Accident Prevention Counselor - 1973-1981, and FAA Designated Part 135 Airman - 1973-1981.  From 1969 to 1975 he was Airport Manager, Pilot Examiner and Chief Pilot for Stone Mountain Aviation, Inc. ; from 1975 to 1976 he was Designated Pilot Examiner and Chief Pilot for Air Activities, Inc.; from 1977 to 1976 he was Designated Pilot Examiner, Chief Pilot and Flight Instructor for Yates Air, Inc.; from 1978 to 1979 he was Designated Pilot Examiner, Check Airman and Chief Pilot for Aztec Charter; from 1986 to 1989 he was First Officer, SD3-60 and EMB 120 for Atlantic Southeast Airlines; and from 1980 to 2022 he was President, Pilot Service  and Aircraft Sales for Green Aero Corporation.

While on active duty for the Navy John met the love of his life, Doris Nell Wojtasczyk and they were married on June 13,1959 at St. George Catholic Church in George West, Texas. John was predeceased by his parents, Helen Causey Green and John Howell Green, Jr.  He is survived by his sister, Alma (Betsy) Green Moore (Don) of Metairie, LA; wife, Doris; son, John Edward Green, Jr. of Stone Mountain; son, James Lee Green and (Claire) of Jeffersonville, GA; daughter, Lisa Green Thomason (Philip) of Lilburn, GA; and daughter, Joyce Green Herrod  (Gregg) of Portsmouth, VA.  He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Katherine Green and Elizabeth Green of Nashville, Tenn.; Justin Green of McDonough, GA; Lauren Green Henderson (Floyd) of Barnesville, GA; Chandler Green (Paige) of Atlanta; and Brandon Green of Atlanta; Crystal Thomason Mayo (J.C.) of Concord, GA;  Candis Thomason (Bethany) of Covington, GA; and Shelbie and Alston Herrod of Portsmouth, VA; and in addition, 9 Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

John was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution; the Buckhead 50 Club; the Ye Ancient and Secret Order of Quiet Birdmen; and the Old Guard of the Gate City Guard where he served as Chairman of the Centennial Legion of Historic Military Commands’ meeting in Atlanta on the 100th rededication of the Peace Monument in Piedmont Park.  He was also Commandant of the Command for 2012.  Of his many aviation activities he enjoyed the most, serving at the “Good Neighbor Day” at PDK where he provided security for the ground crew and acrobatic crew for JC Carr.

Public viewing will be at A.S. Turner & Sons, 2773 N. Decatur Road, Decatur, GA  30031, Friday, December 16th from 4:00-7:00 pm.  The funeral mass will be at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 600 Mountain View Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, Saturday, December 17th at 11:00 am.  Burial with military honors will be in the Decatur Cemetery, 229 Bell Street, Decatur, GA . The service will be live streamed - the information will be posted when it is available.