Dorothy Keel Etheridge

Dorothy K. Etheridge, 86, passed away on December 6, 2015 at her home in Houston, Texas. She was born on November 19, 1929 in Bourbon, MS to Waymon and Ernestine (Pitman) Keel. Dot grew up in Greenville, MS. She graduated from Greenville High School in 1948.

After high school she became an avid, accomplished professional pilot – skilled competitive aerobatic pilot, once placing 3rd in the international women’s competition, and flight instructor – teaching numerous local Mississippi Delta pilots, corporate pilots along with several international students that came to Greenville to have her train them.

She owned and operated one of the Delta’s foremost FBO’s and Beachcraft dealership. She flew in numerous Powder Puff Derbies, Angel Derbies and Air Race Classics cross country air races from 1968 through 1983. She also participated in and won many Women’s Pylon Races, setting 2 speed records at the Reno National Air Races and Cleveland National Air Races

Dot attended Embry-Riddle University where she received a Master of Aeronautical Science degree. In 1983, she continued her pilot career as a corporate pilot in Washington DC. She retired from the FAA as a Project Manager. After a short retirement in Florida, she returned to Washington as an Aviation Consultant to the FAA and BAE Systems.

Dot married Bob Etheridge in 1948 in Greenville, MS. They were divorced in 1981. She was preceded in death by her parents, Waymon and Ernestine Keel and her sister Jean Pund.

Dot is survived by her sister Carolyn Campbell of Moraga, CA, her son, Robert Clay Etheridge, spouse Deborah B. Etheridge of Houston, TX; grandchildren Semmes Burns, her great-grandchildren Killian Burns and Liam Burns of Houston, TX; and her nieces and nephews and other relatives.

A memorial service will be held at St Paul’s Church, 2430 K Street NW, Washington DC on March 12, 2016 at 2:00pm.The family will greet friends and relatives following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center PO Box 301439, Houston, TX 77230-1439

Arrangements under the direction of Joseph Gawler's Sons LLC, Washington, DC.