PEACHTREE CITY, GA (November 20, 2025) – Airbase Georgia joins the Georgia World War II Heritage Trail, the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame, and the wider aviation community in mourning the passing of Pat Epps, Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame inductee, Living Legend of Aviation, and one of the most influential champions of American aviation heritage.
A lifelong aviator, entrepreneur, and steward of the Epps family legacy, Pat devoted every chapter of his life to advancing flight, honoring America’s WWII aviation story, and supporting the warbird community. Over the years, Pat welcomed and supported Airbase Georgia at several events at DeKalb–Peachtree Airport, where he generously shared his time, enthusiasm, and encouragement for our mission.
Born in Athens, Georgia, Pat grew up surrounded by the spirit of flight. His father, Ben Epps, is celebrated as Georgia’s first aviation pioneer, and although Pat lost him at age three, the Epps family continued to fly. All six of Pat’s brothers – and one sister – became pilots, and Pat himself soloed at 16 in a Piper J-3 Cub before enrolling at Georgia Tech to study mechanical engineering.
After college, he launched his career at Boeing as a flight test engineer on what would become the Boeing 707, America’s first jet airliner. He later served with distinction in the U.S. Air Force, flying the T-34, T-28, B-25, C-97 Stratocruiser, and C-123 Provider. His exceptional skill and discipline set the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to aviation excellence.
In 1965, Pat founded Epps Air Service at DeKalb–Peachtree Airport with just 19 employees and a single hangar. Over five decades, he grew it into one of the nation’s premier independent FBOs, a 21-acre aviation gateway employing more than 150 people and setting the standard for service, safety, and hospitality.
Pat’s passion for aviation was matched by his spirit of adventure. From 1981–1992, he co-led the famed Greenland Expedition Society, recovering a WWII P-38 Lightning buried under 265 feet of ice, the aircraft now known worldwide as Glacier Girl. Today, Glacier Girl stands as one of the most iconic aircraft in the warbird movement and a powerful symbol of preserving America’s WWII aviation heritage.
In 1994, Pat piloted a DC-3 to Normandy to honor the WWII paratroopers who helped liberate Europe during the 50th anniversary of D-Day, one of many ways he ensured the stories and sacrifices of WWII airmen would never be forgotten.
His contributions earned him national recognition, including the NBAA American Spirit Award, the Jack Doswell Award, selection for the 1988 Gathering of Eagles, and induction as a Living Legend of Aviation in 2007. His life and legacy will be honored again at the 23rd Annual Living Legends of Aviation® Awards on January 23, 2026.
Airbase Georgia extends heartfelt condolences to his wife, Nita; his children, Patrick, Marian, and Elaine; and the entire Epps family.
Pat Epps lived the aviation life with courage, generosity, curiosity, and joy. His influence shaped aviation in Georgia and across the nation and his legacy will continue to soar in every restored aircraft, every inspired young aviator, and every effort to preserve our shared WWII aviation heritage.