#Warbirds over monroe 2015 license

The two families became and remain close friends.

Al Patton also instructed Greg’s dad, Charlie, in the early 1960’s, before Greg was even born. Greg began his flight training in 1989, his instructor was, local aviation legend, Al Patton. He also held an FAA aerobatic waiver card with several levels of certifications.

#Warbirds over monroe 2015 license

Greg held a commercial pilot license with multi-engine and instrument ratings. Through the years of hard work and dedication, he became an experienced aerobatic & commercial pilot with over 2000 hours of flight time logged. Greg started his piloting career at the mere age of 13. Gregs passion and love for aviation began early in his life. He is well respected in the aviation community in the Augusta, GA area and also with the close knit Aerobatic community throughout the United States. Gregs passion for flying grew into his hobby of entertaining hundreds of thousands in Airshows throughout the United States. And to those that were fortunate enough to make it into his circle of friends, you were family to him. His bigger than life personality always left a lasting impression to those who were lucky enough to meet him. He was someone that lived, loved and enjoyed life the same way he flew his aerobatic planes with extreme passion and intensity. So to all his family and friends, Greg was way more than just a pilot. You would also learn that he and Ginger were huge animal lovers with 3 dogs, 2 cats, 2 horses, a donkey, and a pony!! Forever a music man, Greg also enjoyed playing the guitar and played in several bands over the years. If you were lucky enough to have met Greg and spent some time with him, it would not have taken very long at all to learn that he was an avid, and highly passionate, South Carolina Gamecock.

Greg later became a prominent small business owner of Connells Heating and Air. He went on to graduate from the University of South Carolina in 1988 with a Bachelors degree in Finance. He loved his hometown school and often found ways to show his support, such as his flyover at the Yellow Jacket stadium to kick off the start of each football season. High School, he wore lucky number 23 as a cornerback for the Yellow Jackets. Greg was a 1984 graduate of North Augusta Sr. High School where he played both football and was a member of the golf team, holding the low score for the Patriots. This loss is being felt throughout the aviation community but its also being felt by many in the town he grew up in. Greg was very passionate and loyal to his family and friends. He loved his family, and he has always been a tried and true friend to many. He believed in the principles this country were founded on and was a very patriotic individual.” However, his family and friends will be quick to tell you that Greg was way more than just a pilot who entertained hundreds of thousands in Airshows throughout the United States. Outside of Gregs large circle of family and friends, most knew Greg as an accomplished Aerobatic Airshow Pilot.

He was greatly loved by these friends and family.

A beloved husband to Ginger Fox Connell, he also had a great circle of friends. Greg was blessed with a wonderful family that supported him. We wish we could respond to each of you individually with our heart felt thanks for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers.įor those that did not know Greg personally, he was loved by many. From our family, please know that we have felt the love and warmth during such a private time.