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Bennet Aiken Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
BENNET NOOE AIKEN, SR. "Whos the best pilot you ever knew?..." was a famous line in the movie "The Right Stuff". If you ask this question of any pilot that flew with the great Eastern Airlines, or any pilot that flew "The Hump" in WWII, they will immediately respond, Ben Aiken! Loved by all that ever flew with him or knew him, they all agree, "Why, Ben Aiken, of course!" Decorated in WWII with numerous medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, he also had a wonderful sense of humor. Often when asked, "How are you, Ben?" He always responded, "I've Ben Aiken all my life!" Ben flew with EAL for 39 years and retired at the mandatory 60 years old, took three days off and went back to work for EAL in the training department until EAL's demise. On his last flight he was met on the plane by the then president and CEO of EAL, Colonel Borman, and was presented a diamond pin for his exemplary time of service with the company. This had never happened before and never happened again. Ben had never canceled or missed a trip due to illness or any other reason for the entire 39 years! Ben later became president of the Retired Eastern Pilots Association and stayed active for many years. A dedicated husband, father, pilot and employee, Bennet Nooe Aiken, Sr. lost his battle with cancer on Friday, March 19, 2004. Ben will be missed greatly by all those that knew him. Surviving family members are: His wife of 57 years, Jeanne Aiken in Cumming, GA, sons Bennet Aiken Jr. and wife Gail Aiken in Pendergrass, GA, Donald Aiken and wife Jackie Aiken in Duluth, GA, David Aiken and Sally Aiken in Memphis, TN, John Aiken and wife Nuala Aiken in Grayson, GA, and Kellie Aiken Ward and husband Mark Ward in Sugar Hill, GA. Also surviving are fourteen grandchildren, brother Richard and Marion Aiken in Elizabeth City, NC., five nieces and one nephew. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Martin officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday evening at the funeral home from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Arrangements by Flanigan Funeral Home, Buford, GA 770-932-1133.
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Memories and Condolences
for Bennet Aiken
Ginny Allison-Clark
March 24, 2004
I was so saddened to hear of the death of Mr. Aiken. What great memories I have of your entire family when Mike Sargent lived with ya'll. My prayers are with your family at this time.
Al Manning
March 23, 2004
I am a retired Eastern Air Lines employee of 38 years. I first met Ben while employed at Roanoke, Va. I echo many of the comments already made about his pilot abilities. I pray that God will bless the family and bring comfort at this time.
JOSEPH MERRELL
March 23, 2004
DEAR BENNETT AND GAIL,
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO BOTH OF YOU AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
I WENT TO HIGH SCHOOL WITH BOTH BENNETT AND GAIL BACK AT BRIARWOOD
HIGH, CLASS OF 1968. I LOST MY DAD 11 YRS AGO MYSELF SO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH.
Richard & Penny Drey
March 22, 2004
To all the Family, Our thoughts are with you Today. May God comfort and bless you all.
Wayne Johnston
March 22, 2004
To Jeanne and all the family.May God bless each of you and give peace and comfort at the loss of Ben.
I flew many hours with him and admired,respected and feel it a privilege to call him my friend.
My love and best wishes to you all.
Wayne
Eastern Air Lines L-1011 piloted by Captain Ben Aiken
March 21, 2004
Jim Flynn
March 21, 2004
Our prayers are with the friends family at this time. I did not have the opportunity to meet this great man, "The best pilot that flew with the great Eastern Airlines" but know one of his sons, John who is one of the best Aircraft Maintenance Lead Mechanics for Delta. The sky is the limit and am confident that Ben is soaring above us once again!
Ken & Mary Murphy
March 21, 2004
As members of the Eastern family, our thoughts are with you all today. What a special man!
Sincerely,
The Murphys
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Flanigan Funeral Home & Crematory4400 South Lee Street, Buford, GA 30518
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