John Jay Wilfong, 93, of Shalimar, Fla., died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014.
Born in 1920 in Catawba County, N.C., John was the last surviving sibling of the late Jay S. and Alma Roberta Wilfong. John was a member of Grace Reformed United Church of Christ in Newton, N.C. His lovely wife, Mary McCain Wilfong, preceded him in death. He will be dearly missed by his many surviving nieces and nephews.
John graduated from Blackburn High School in Catawba County, N.C. He enjoyed his many annual class reunion trips from Florida to North Carolina. John earned his B.S. degree from North Carolina State University and shortly thereafter joined the Army Air Corps.
Serving on active duty for 28 years, John was a two war veteran of WWII and Vietnam rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. In the service's growth from Air Corps to U.S. Air Force, Col. Wilfong flew several different fighters, bombers and cargo aircraft. While flying the P-61 night fighter, "I'll Get By" during the China Burma India conflict, he scored an aerial kill with his 20mm cannon on a Mitsubishi Ki-46 Dinah. On a subsequent night interdiction mission, his P-61 was shot down over China. Parachuting to safety, Col. Wilfong and his radar operator evaded enemy capture, moving at night and approximately six weeks later made it back to friendly forces. At the end of WWII, Col. Wilfong served as Commander of Attu Air Station, located at the western end of the Aleutian Chain. Between WWII and Vietnam, John served in the European Theater at Landstuhl, Germany. Col. Wilfong served with the Air Commandos in Vietnam. At Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., in July 1969, Col. Wilfong was honorably retired from active duty.
John's love of life after his retirement was fishing. This love led to his hobby for over 45 years of making fishing cast nets. One could ask almost any fisherman along the Panhandle of Florida and they would know the colonel and proudly proclaim, "I've got one of his nets!" John will dearly be missed by all of his buddies at Ben's Lake Marina on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014, at Grace Union Church. The Church is located across the street from the Grace Lutheran Church located at 4536 Hickory Lincolnton Highway, Newton, NC 28658. Funeral service will be at 3 p.m., in Grace Union Church. The Rev. Dr. J. George Gilbert will officiate. Burial with full military honors will immediately follow the service in the church cemetery. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be the nephews of Col. Wilfong.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.willisreynoldsfuneralhome.com.
The Wilfong family has entrusted funeral arrangements Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home and Cremations in Newton.

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Published by Northwest Florida Daily News on Jan. 18, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for John Wilfong

11 Entries

De Teague

March 4, 2014

Our condolences to the family of Colonel Wilfong. Sincerely, North Carolina State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

January 31, 2014

John was our neighbor and a very fine gentleman. My husband, Stan, purchased one of his handmade cast nets. We admired his independent nature and the fact that he was a member of our Greatest Generation. We used to see John frequently leaving to go fishing for trout at Ben's Lake. He rarely came home without a catch. We admired the fact that he cared for Mary when she was unable to care for herself and until her death. Rest in peace, my friend.
Stan and Barbara Shaneyfelt, Shalimar, FL

January 29, 2014

May you be picking flowers for Ms.Mary...Rest in peace my friend..It was a pleasure to know you and care for you in your last days. I will miss you... love Stacy Reiling

becky gennell

January 19, 2014

I knew Mr.john for a short time what a truly southern gentleman he was.I will always caring him in my heart.I feel very blessed to have known him and had the honor to have been one of his home health aids.he was truly loved by us ladies.my prayers is with his family.god bless you all.

Sarah McCain

January 19, 2014

I have many fond memories of visiting Aunt Aileen & Uncle Johnny. He had such patience with me as he taught me to tie fishing nets, a skill I sadly did not retain. I wish I could be there today.

January 19, 2014

Lynn and I have been neighbors of John (two houses down at 24 Country Club Rd) for many years and were shocked to just hear of his passing last Wed. We are so very, very sorry! As a closet historian of WWI II I would find John's picture as a young pilot in books on the P-61 Black Widow nightfighter,make copies and deliver them to him and we'd talk about his wartime exploits. I would also see him at the Eglin AFB Health and Wellness Center exercising from time to time and we'd talk. John (and Mary) were such wonderful neighbors and friends and we cried when we heard of his passing. God bless John for his bravery in the skies and service to our Nation and he will be in our hearts and memories always. Col Dick Brauer, USAF (Ret) and Lynn Brauer.

Jesse Bullock

January 18, 2014

John was a true gentleman, I came to know him from gatherings at Ben's Lake Marina. He befriended my son and was a positive influence in his teenage years. My condolences to his family. Rest in peace and good fishing my friend.

Jason Williams

January 18, 2014

Mr. Wilfong, Your friendship to my father and our family will be cherished for years. I want to thank you for your service to our country that my family and I can still enjoy the freedoms of being an American! Love Jason, Crystal, Ryan, Kayla, and baby Hailey

Mrs. Yasuko Hypes

January 17, 2014

I will always treasure your kindness and friendship. My thoughts and prayers to the Wilfong family.

Bill Yoder

January 16, 2014

Condolences to all the family.

Bill Yoder & Marilyn Wilfong-Yoder

January 16, 2014

Love from your family Charles Wilfong and Jack and Betty Wilfong. We will surely miss your calls and visits.

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