Gerald W. Excell

LT. COL (RETIRED) Gerald WILLIAM EXCELL Lt. Col (Retired) Gerald W. Excell, 94 of Wilmington passed away on February 14, 2015. He was predeceased by his wife Martha, and is survived by his son Jay and wife Jane, his daughter Debra and his daughter Wendy and husband John. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Gerald was born on a dairy farm in Greene NY. WWII got him off the farm when he was accepted into the Army Cadet Flying Program. He flew P-47s and P-51s in the Pacific as a memberof the 341st Fighter Squadron of the 5th Army Air Force. He retired in 1963 and continued his flying career until 1990. He remained active in retirement by volunteering for various organizations and calling bingo at the Elks Club. The family will receive visitors on Thursday February 19th, 2015 from 10am-12pm at Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service, 3915 Oleander Dr. Wilmington NC. A funeral service will follow at 12 noon. In the chapel of Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center. 1406 Physcians Dr. Wilmington NC 28401. Condolences to the family may be offered at. www.coblewardsmithwilmington.com