John Dale Green

Niceville - Our hearts are heavy as we say good-bye to John Dale Green , a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. An esteemed pilot who went West on August 20, 2025, at the age of 80. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and childhood friend.

Born on July 2, 1945, in Memphis, Tennessee, John's fascination with aviation, like his father, began at a young age, watching planes soar overhead and dreaming of a life in the clouds. This lifelong passion would guide his path. A graduate of Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana. He continued his studies at Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Industrial Engineering where he was a proud Brother of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. John later volunteered to join the United States Air Force, where he quickly distinguished himself as an exceptional fighter pilot with 198 missions in Vietnam. He served his country with honor and courage, flying numerous combat and combat support missions in Vietnam. He completed his military career as a member of the Louisiana Air National Guard - (Co---ss Militia) achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. After his active military service, John embarked on a distinguished career as a commercial airline pilot, spending decades with Southern Airways, Republic Airlines, and Northwest Airlines. He was known for his calm demeanor, meticulous attention to detail, and his unwavering commitment to safety. He embraced the joys of flying and cherished the global adventures his career afforded him. John enjoyed his fellowship of aviation with his service brothers at Niceville QB's "Quiet Birdmen".

Beyond the cockpit, John found immense joy in his family. He was a loving husband to his wife, Carol, for 35 years, a supportive brother to his step-sister Ruth Anne Vagt (husband - Bobby Vagt), his brother Larry William Green (wife -Thresa Green; niece - Rachel Green), a devoted father to his two children and also adored his three grandchildren; Joanna Gail Green (granddaughter - Sarah Jane Stokes) and James William Green (wife - Monica Green; granddaughter - Ava Skye Green; grandson - John Dieter Green) his nephew Benjamin "Ben" Robertson fostering a deep and special bond with each of them. John is preceded in death by his loving mother, Ruth Alberta (Lauderdale) Green; father, Claude Vernon "CV" Green; sister, Patricia "Patsy" Ellen (Green) Robertson - Hornsby; and step-brothers Troy "Dutch" H. Maxwell and Paul "Bubba" E. Maxwell. John loved sharing his passions for aviation and sailing with his family.

John was known for his quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and a quick wit that could light up any room. He was a man who embraced challenges, found joy in the simple pleasures of life, and cherished his family above all else. His wisdom and guidance will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. John's journey has been a flight well flown, and he has now reached his Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited. BLUE SKIES AND TAILWINDS - God has given you GOLD wings - continue to soar!

The family requests any gifts in John's memory be sent to the following: Culver Military Academy, Development Office, 1300 Academy Rd., Culver, Indiana 46511. Gifts should be made payable as follows: Culver Educational Foundation with designation to "CMA Class of 1963 Exemplar Fund.

A celebration of his life will be held September 13th at Heritage Gardens Funeral Home in Niceville, FL.