Philip Smith Beeson Sr.

Philip was born in 1941 and grew up in Kernersville, North Carolina. After graduating from Kernersville High School and earning Most Valuable Player in football, Philip began working for Piedmont Airlines. After a long and distinguished career as a pilot and manager for Piedmont, Philip retired as Director of International Operations. He was a beloved people leader and pioneer, having both charted many of Piedmont’s early international routes and managed most of the pilot force as Chief Pilot. After retiring from Piedmont, Philip held leadership and consultive positions in multiple airlines including Leisure Air, Pace, and Continental Air Lines.

In 1962, Philip married another native North Carolinian, Florence (Ann) Kennedy, starting a loving relationship that would last 61 years and produce a son (Phil) and two grandchildren (Annie and Thomas) – the loves of his life.

Philip was a Past Master of Masonic Lodge 165 in Roswell Georgia and a member of the EAA – Experimental Aircraft Association and QB – Quiet Birdmen on St. Simons Island, GA. He was an avid car enthusiast and loved spending time at car shows and tinkering with his cars.

Philip was pre-deceased by his mother Lona Beatrice (Baker) Beeson, father Broadway Smith Beeson, and sister Robin Cromer. He is survived by his wife Ann (Kennedy) Beeson of St. Simons Island, son Philip Beeson Jr (Maysie) of Atlanta, GA, grandchildren Anne Wright Maldonado (David) of Houston, TX, Thomas Bennett Beeson (Meikaela) of Atlanta, GA., and sisters Linda Masten of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina and Judy Robertson of State Road, North Carolina.

Funeral services will be held at The First Baptist Church on St. Simons Island at 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 19th.

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to The First Baptist Church of St. Simons Island.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.edomillerandsons.com for the Beeson family.