Leon Noel Lutz

Leon is survived by his wife of 38 years, Susan Wentzel Lutz of Greer, SC; his brother, Tom; his sisters, Nancy and Judy; his children, Nicolle and Troy; Sue’s niece, Sarah, and nephew, Joshua.

He was born in Gainesville, TX on November 9, 1944, to Virginia and Leon Lutz, Sr. He graduated from Indiana University Medical School in 1971 and subsequently joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served for 10 years as a Flight Surgeon, Senior Staff Physician, and Aerospace Medicine Physician. He served at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in OH, received his aerospace medicine training in Houston, TX, and was stationed in Oxford, England. Leon became a skilled pilot of F-111 fighter jets during his Air Force service, ultimately achieving the rank of Major.

Leon moved to Greenville in 1976 to work with Dr. J.E. Lipsom in private practice, and soon met Sue, an RN at Greenville Memorial Hospital. Leon and Sue were married in 1983 and spent the next 38 years together in Greenville, where Sue continued her work as an RN for 40 years.

He enjoyed bicycling, kayaking, and snow skiing; it was snow skiing that gave him the same exhilaration he had flying his F-111 jets!

Leon dedicated himself to serving the Lord and was a member of Northgate Baptist Church, where he and Sue were active members in the choir.

An avid reader throughout his life, Leon enjoyed learning about the history of Native Americans, teaching himself as much as he could about tribal history and culture.

In lieu of flowers, Leon requested that donations be made to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105), Cecil D. Buchannan Military History Museum (3110 Wade Hampton Blvd., Taylors, SC 29687); or Christian Learning Centers of Greenville County (410B Pelham Road, Greenville, SC 29615).

His Memorial Service with US Air Force Military Honors will be conducted by Northgate Baptist Church's Sr. Pastor Berry Jimmerson, and American Legion Post 214 Chaplain, Jack Dorn on Saturday, November 20, 2021. Visitation at the church is from 1:00 pm until 1:45 and Service at 2:00 pm.

Northgate Baptist Church, 633 Summit Drive, Greenville, SC 29609

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