Benny Britt

Benny Britt, age 82, of Locust Grove, GA, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2024. Benny is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Elaine Britt. He is survived by his son, Travis Britt and daughter-in-law Kim Britt of Stone Mountain, GA. He is lovingly known as BigBen to his three grandchildren, Benji (wife, Kelsy), Brooks (wife, Caroline) and Hope, as well as, one great granddaughter, Everly (daughter of Benji and Kelsy).

Benny was born on September 29, 1941 in Atlanta, GA, to Otis and Sarah Britt. Benny was raised in Tucker, GA and graduated from Tucker High School in 1959. Afterward, he served in the US Navy at NAS Corpus Christi, TX and Navy Reserve at NAS Atlanta, GA. He enjoyed a 40-year career, starting with Piedmont Airlines in 1962, which later became a part of US Airways, and retired from US Air in 2002,

Best known for his lifelong love of aviation, he was a private pilot with certification as a commercial pilot and a IFR (instrument flight rules) rating. As an aircraft mechanic, he held certificates as a A&P (airframe and powerplant mechanic), IA (Inspection authorization) and DME (designated maintenance examiner). As a DME, it is estimated that he examined between 2,500 - 3,000 people who were working to earn their A&P mechanics certification. As a well-respected member of the aviation community, he was always eager to help anyone in need of assistance, working on an airplane and more than happy to share his wealth of knowledge when asked for advice. His greatest passion in aviation was in antique and World War II era airplanes. His efforts to help maintain, restore and preserve these types of airplanes served well toward keeping aviation history alive. The first airplane he restored, a 1942 Fairchild PT-19 trainer, is proudly displayed at the Museum of Aviation, Robins Air Force Base, Fort Robins, GA.

Benny was a fixture of Stone Mountain Airport for roughly 30 years. There, he took up skydiving, flying and restoring and maintaining airplanes. A friend among friends, he was well loved by all who knew him. The airport closed in1996 and it was nothing short of a blessing that he and Elaine were able to move to the Mallard's Landing flying community of Locust Grove, GA in 1998. Nothing could have been more perfect for a couple, so involved in aviation, than to have a hangar and a runway in their own back yard. Nothing, that is, except to add some of the kindest and most loving neighbors to share in life's dreams.

Benny will be truly missed by the many, many lives he touched over the years.

Blue skies and smooth tailwinds forever, Dad.

Services to celebrate such a wonderful life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Shriners Children's Hospitals would be greatly appreciated.