Obituary
George McKeithan Moss Jr., age 81, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, surrounded by family at his home.
Born May 5, 1941, in Rockingham, North Carolina, he was the son of the late George McKeithan Moss Sr. and Lottie Marie Huggins Moss.
He was a graduate of Rockingham High School and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, Class of 1964. He began his aviation career in 1965 when he learned to fly in the United States Navy. He was an active-duty service member in the US Navy for six years and rolled into active-duty reserves where he retired as a Captain. In 1970, Captain Moss began a commercial flying career with Eastern Airlines where he was an active pilot for over 21 years. After leaving Eastern Airlines, he flew and worked in aviation management for multiple companies—Pan Am II, Kiwi, Air South, Eastwind, Air Cargo, Capital Cargo—before officially retiring from aviation in 2007.
George had a strong desire to serve others throughout his life and did so in numerous ways. He was a member of Coronado Community United Methodist Church where he had served on the Endowment and Scholarship Committees. He was also a lifelong supporter of Catawba College and a long-time ambassador for the school’s admissions program, representing Catawba at Florida college fairs for over 18 years and at over 125 events. He served on the Board of Visitors for the college since 2012 and in 2019 received the Distinguished Alumni Award for his services. Mr. Moss was also a volunteer with Alpha Program at the Salvation Army, was a mentor at the New Smyrna Beach middle and high schools and was a sailing instructor at the Smyrna Yacht Club. Scottish history, music and college football were his passions. Captain Moss was a proud member of the Maxwell Clan.
Mr. Moss was preceded in death by his parents as well as brothers Chester Ray Moss, Samuel Wayne Moss and William Carroll Moss and an infant daughter, Kendra Lynn Moss. He is survived by his wife, Doris Elliott Moss, sons Gavin M. Moss (Carolyn) of Elon, North Carolina, and Terek L. Moss (Amy) of Brookside Village, Texas. He was a loving “Gramps” to Gannon M. Moss, Kayden N. Moss, Garrison T. Moss and Landon M. Moss.
A service in remembrance of Captain Moss will be held at Coronado Community United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 20, 2022. Mr. Moss will lie in state beginning at 10:30 am and a service will follow beginning at 11:30 am. Immediately following the service, the family invites friends to a celebration of life gathering at Smyrna Yacht Club, 1201 South Riverside Drive in New Smyrna Beach.
Memorials may be made to:
Catawba College, checks made payable to Newman Park Baseball Renovation
2300 W. Innes Street
Salisbury, North Carolina 28144
OR
New Smyrna Beach Middle School Mentor Program, checks made payable to NSBMS, care of David Smith, Program Treasurer,
261 Minorca Beach Way #201
New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32169
OR
In honor of Mr. Moss’ valiant fight with Parkinson’s Disease, Rock Steady Boxing, checks made payable to “In This Corner” and mailed to P.O. Box 1627 New Smyrna Beach, Florida 32170 or through www.inthiscorner.org.
Service
201 S Peninsula Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
Rockingham, North Carolina
Visitation
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
201 S Peninsula Ave, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169
A verry likeable man who loved his ( Scottish) heritage , wife
And family
Enjoyed his company and interests in sports in which he
Engaged till a few months be
Fore his journey
Great to have been part for his
Last years as companion (cna)
A true Aviator, Outstanding Trainer, Wonderful Friend!!
We shared A LOT of Training Events during those days at Boston-Maine/Pan Am in Sanford, Florida Of Course, no Students ever fell asleep with George including his spectacular humor!
We will ALL miss George!
Sandra Stafford/ AKA Vanna per George class introduction in classes!
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I will miss my "Magic" buddy. It always pleased us when we could meet, greet, and enjoy the games together. Those memories will be treasured forever. We Love you Doris.
May God bless you with strength and empower you with Peace as you go through the stages of Grief.
Dick Gazda
I was friends in the neighborhood of Zemosa Acres my older brother Chris Lovern and I ran around with Gavin and Terrick (didn’t spell that right I assume) we lived on Kendale Ave. what I remember besides playing in the creek is you saying “miss Meagan you’re a little too young for these boys” you ordered pizza. I was always fond of Terrick as we’d wrestle in the bonus room. And then the boys would literally jump off our porch 12 ft onto the trampoline and fly whatever in the air. Thank you sir for you kindness as a child and for your sons. Sometimes it’s not us but what we’ve created. You did good so hands raised till we all get there! Please look down and protect them “your creation”
Our deepest sympathies. George put up a good fight! He was a really good guy & we will miss him.
See you at the Saturday church service & SYC .
Ward & Bev White
Andy and Amy Mattingly