Alan Archer

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Alan Archer, 60, of Signal Mountain, Tennessee, on May 24, 2024. He passed away quietly, surrounded by loved ones, after a year-long struggle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

Alan was born on January 8, 1964, to James and Linda Archer of Summerville, Georgia. By the time he was 12, Alan wanted to become a pilot. From then on, he pursued that dream with determination. Alan attended the University of Georgia (class of 1986). Upon graduation, he earned a commission in the U.S. Marine Corps and began flight training.

In 1988, Alan married Betsy (Taylor) and they moved to Tustin, California, where he was assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 465 flying CH-53E helicopters. He served in Operation Desert Storm, earning the Air Medal. His military career took Alan to Pensacola, Florida, as an instructor for new Naval aviators and where his daughter, Hannah, was born. In Okinawa, Japan, Alan flew CT-39G and UC-12F fixed-wing planes in support of III Marine Expeditionary Force, including humanitarian missions in East Timor and throughout Southeast Asia. Eventually Alan would achieve the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps.

In 2001, Alan left the Marine Corps and began his 23-year career with Delta Airlines. Based in both Atlanta and Salt Lake City, Alan flew as first officer on the MD88, 737, A330, and A350, and served as captain on the A220. As an aviator, Alan earned respect from his peers for his calm demeanor and his patience instructing new pilots.

Alan and Betsy adopted their son, James, from Nanjing, China, in 2004, and settled in Signal Mountain, Tennessee. Alan will be most remembered for his strength of character. Often, his silence was more powerful than words. He enjoyed anything to do with the outdoors: biking, hiking, climbing, wakeboarding, and kayaking. He was always up for a new challenge and loved exploring new places. To his children, he was a kind and patient father, whether it was teaching them to ride a bike, roll a kayak, or face their futures with dignity. He taught them about honor and integrity through his actions, not words.

Alan leaves behind his wife, Betsy; daughter, Hannah; son, James; parents James and Linda Archer; sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Bill Hix; nephew, Blake (Megan) Hix and great-nephew Beau; and niece, Ali Hix.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ALS Association (www.als.org/donate) or the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA.org" rel="sponsored">www.PVA.org).

A celebration of Alan's life will be held Saturday, June 29, 2024, 4-6 p.m. at Renaissance Commons, Bluff View Art District in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Please RSVP via text to Hannah Archer at 423-582-6571.