Flying Tiger Line Pilots Association

In Memoriam...

Raymond "George" Miller

08/24/1949- 08/25/2010

Capt. R. George Miller, 61, died suddenly and unexpectedly while hiking with his family August 25, 2010, in Girdwood, AK.

George was born August 24, 1949, in St. Joseph, Mo., where he attended Central High School and went on to graduate from the University of Kansas. He later received his graduate degree from the University of Southern California.

George served in the U.S. Air Force as a KC-135 aircraft commander. He married Irene Dunavan in 1977 and began his airline career in 1978 with The Flying Tiger Line as a DC-8 Second Officer in Los Angeles. He flew various airplanes in various seats at Tigers over the next several years before upgrading to 727 Captain, just prior to the Tigers-FedEx merger. George moved his family from Overland Park, Kan., to Alaska in 1992, shortly after the new Anchorage domicile was opened.

He was a superbly gifted aviator, excelling not only in the finer points of airmanship, but in mentoring, encouraging, uplifting and befriending those with whom he worked. George served as a line-check airman, instructor and flight standards captain, before retiring from FedEx in August 2009.

George’s greatest joy in life was his family. He enjoyed spending each moment possible with his beloved wife of 32 years, his children, grandchildren, his dog and extended family, whether in the Alaskan outdoors or at home. He had a passion for the outdoors in south central Alaska and could be found hiking, skiing, fishing, mountain biking or snowshoeing.

George will be most remembered for his selfless love, being a servant to others and his contagious joy. He loved the Lord with a down-to-earth, strong and quiet faith. His life serves as an inspiration and example for all of his family and friends left behind.