Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Emmett C. Spinks Jr.
1916 - 2004
Emmett C. Spinks Jr.
1916 - 2004
Obituary
Guest Book
Emmett Spinks Obituary
Memorial Service: 1 p.m. Friday in Greenwood Garden Chapel.
Memorials: May be made to The North Texas Chapter of Humane Society.
Emmett was born July 5, 1916, in Longview. He attended Arkansas State Teachers College and TCU. He played a "mean" trumpet in college and played with a local orchestra traveling around the country during the big band era. He joined the Army Air Corps during World War II, where he got his pilot training, becoming a flight instructor. His first cousin, mentor and friend M.H. "Pappy" Spinks was the founder of Oak Grove/Spinks Airport. He began his lifetime career with Central Airlines and retired as a captain on the 737 with Frontier Airlines. He owned several clubs in the Fort Worth area, the most popular being the Bayou Club. After retirement he lived on his sailboat, sailing from Miami to San Diego and passing through the Panama Canal. He had a love of writing, and wrote many short stories and poetry.
Survivors: Daughters, Gary Martha Krell and husband, Michael, Charlotte Stears; son, Alan Spinks and wife, Susie; grandchildren, Scott and David Turner, Christina McGehee, Matthew Wiener, Nicholas, Jonathan and Katie Spinks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Captain Jack Beetle Bailey
July 17, 2004
Emmett had a certain "look", that twinkle in the eye, and a smile on his face when he was "Up To Something". You always knew "something" was coming with that look, but you seldom knew what. He never failed to bring a smile to the subject of his humor, and it was generally well received. For the years of laughs and smiles, I will always remember having the pleasure of his friendship, the memories of his humor, and the legacy of his airmanship. These are treasures with value beyond compare, timeless, priceless, and purely Emmett. God Bless and Keep Him by His Side. NOTAM TO THE ANGELS: EMMETT IS NEAR AND HE KNOWS HOW TO FLY!
Kenneth (Ken) Stewart
July 16, 2004
Remember Emmett from my first days with Central Airlines. Always a pleasure to visit. His stories were most interesting. Blue skies!
Phil Stallings
July 16, 2004
Emmett, you were one of the good guys and a joy to fly with. Where ever pilots and stews go for that final layover, I'm sure you are there and by now have the whole room laughing. Take care, buddy.
Billy & Cheryl Walker
July 15, 2004
Oh what wonderful memories Emmett left us with. Few have made as much of a positive influence. I would bet Emmett caused more smiles than anyone shy of Bob Hope!
Our toast to Captain Spinks: "May you find smooth air, warm-soft tailwinds, and a bright star to steer by on your flight West..."
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
billy watkins
July 15, 2004
Sincere condolance to Emmetts family. He
was a unique fellow and a pleasure to know. He will be missed.
FAIR SKYS AND TAIL WINDS EMMETT!!
Billy WAtkins
FAL Pilot
Jack Gibson
July 15, 2004
I have met a very few "unforgettable characters" in my 64 years and Captain Emmett C. Spinks has to be at the top of my list. I joined Central Airlines in 1964 as a DC-3 co-pilot and flew on many occasions with Emmett in the DC-3 and CV600. In 1967, Emmett and I were simulator partners at the Frontier Airlines Training Center in Denver CO. The ground school was next to the Red Dog Saloon and the simulator shed was next to the railroad tracks. Learning to fly the CV580 as well as becoming "Frontierized" in the process was quite an experience, made even more unique by doing it with Emmett. Emmett, Old Buddy, thanks for the hundreds of hilarious memories as well as the humorous lessons in both flight and life. I will never forget you. God speed...blue skies and tailwinds west.
Donna Harrison
July 15, 2004
Emmett was a "most unforgettable character", and he certainly was a pleasure to fly with. My most sincere condolences to the family.
Aloha and God's Blessings,
Donna
H.A. Frost
July 14, 2004
Blue skies and tailwinds, Emmett. I remember the early days (for me) when you tried to teach me how to land a DC-3 but it took longer than one month. It was a pleasure to know you and work with you. Thanks for some great memories and great times. Your life exp[eriences made for some great stories for all of us to remember.
Bill Kirkley
July 14, 2004
Another of the greats gone West
Jon Sluder
July 14, 2004
Fair skies, and tailwinds Emmett
Jon
Harold Maxwell
July 14, 2004
First meet Emmett in Fort Smith , Ar
when I was a ticket agent for Central Airlines in 1956. What a great guy to know and work with.
Jake LAMKINS
July 14, 2004
I worked with Emmett at Central and Frontier Airlines. He was a great fellow - always of good cheer and appreciative of life's lighter side. He was quite a character and one of a kind. His jokes and wisecracks and escapades would fill several books. He led a full life and outlived most of his contemporaries.
Bon Voyage, Emmett!
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
3344 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Make a Donation
in Emmett Spinks's name
How to support Emmett's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Emmett Spinks's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
