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“The Final Flight”
It is with a saddened heart that we announce the news of our friends and colleagues who have departed on their “Final Flight” from this “Worldly” earth. It is never easy to say goodbye, however it is comforting to remember them often ~ especially the memory of how they lived their lives and how they helped shape each of us and our wonderful airline. They will live forever in our hearts, our minds, and our memory ….. for they will be forever true members of our “World Airways Family”!
God Bless Them Every One !
2024
Dan Giddens – March 24, 2024
Benedict “Benny” Johnson – January 28, 2024
Gunilla Crawford – January 2, 2024
Gary Rodriguez – January 1, 2024
Dan Giddens
March 24, 2024
Anne & Dan Giddens
World Airways pilot Dan Giddens boarded his “Final Flight” while in Home Hospice on March 15, 2024. At World Airways from 1978 until 1986, Dan served as a DC-8 Second Officer and then as a DC-10 Second Officer and First Officer from 1978 until 1986.
Prior to joining World Airways Dan served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1976, and then joined the Air National Guard, Van Nuys, CA, in 1977, where he served until 1992.
Dan Giddens 1980 Jakarta Hadj
Following his career with World Airways Dan flew as a Boeing 737 Captain for America West Airlines until his medical retirement in 2007. After his retirement Dan spent 17 years traveling with his family, working in his garden, and serving as a “stroke and turn official” at his son’s swimming meets.
Dan is survived by his wife Anne, their two sons, Jeff and Jay, and one granddaughter, Karsyn.
Please Keep Dan’s Family in Your Thoughts and Prayers
Benedict “Benny” Johnson
Benedict “Benny” Johnson
January 28, 2024
Benedict “Benny” Johnson, 73, a native of Napoleonville, LA, departed on his “Final Flight” on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at his home in Gonzales, LA.
Benny will be remembered by his Flight Attendant friends at World Airways for his kind and gentle heart. He made every trip with him memorable and was considered “one of the best” to fly with. May he rest in peace.
His service was in Donaldsonville, LA, on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Williams & Southall Funeral Home, 101 Loop 945, Donaldsonville, LA, followed by interment in St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church Cemetery.
Benny is survived by his brother, George Johnson (Barbara); his sister, Chrystal Dennis; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Benny was preceded in death by his parents, Leona and Chester Johnson, Sr.; 5 sisters, Mary Patterson, Aurelia Lee, Beverly Buggage, Laverne Dennis, and Almatine Blame; 4 brothers, Bernard, Herman, Raymond, and Chester Johnson, Jr.
Arrangements were by Williams & Southall Funeral Home, (225) 473-1900. To sign the guest book or offer condolences, visit www.williamsandsouthallfuneralhome.com.
Gunilla Crawford
Gunilla Crawford
January 2, 2024
Vince Rossi and Donna Napierala both reported on “Facebook World Airways Employees” that World Airways Flight Attendant Gunilla Crawford boarded her “Final Flight” on January 2, 2024, at her home in Miami Lakes, Florida, with her daughter Kim at her side.
Gunilla loved everything about aviation and worked for many different airlines in her career. “She was a wonderful part of our WOA Family and will be greatly missed.” May she rest in peace.
Please keep Gunilla’s Family & Friends in Your Thoughts and Prayers.
Gary Rodriguez
Gary Rodriguez
January 1, 2024
World Airways Flight Attendant Gary Rodriguez’s sister advised that Gary boarded his Final Flight. Gary was a very private person that was very well thought of and admired at World Airways.
A Mass was held February 9th at 5 pm at “Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church” in Castro Valley, CA.
Gary was a very kind, patient, and thoughtful person and we have very fond memories of him.
