Flying Tiger Line
Pilots Association

William Popp

Popp_BillFlying Tiger Line Pilots Association

In Memoriam...

William Popp

March 3, 1940- June 8, 2014

William A. Popp, 74, passed away on June 8 at his home. A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bill came to this area 34 years ago from Newbury Park, CA. Bill enjoyed a 32 year career as an airline captain in commercial aviation with the international cargo airline Flying Tiger Line and after an acquisition, with Federal Express. This career took him too many countries around the world where he made friends and he learned about and appreciated many cultures.

After retirement, he returned to his farming roots when he took up his avocation of planting trees. He wanted to be known for this as much as his working career. He planted and grew landscape trees and tended his orange groves, turning many acres of land in Lake County into park-like settings and productive groves.

Bill's big heart extended to many who will miss him greatly. He was a member of Rotary Club of DeLand, Rotary International, Flying Tiger Retired Pilots Association and the Florida Citrus Growers Association. Mr. Popp was preceded in death by his sons, Phillip Popp and Paul Lucas. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Hao Lan Popp, sons, Tony Popp of California, Larry (Jennifer) Popp of Deltona, Mark (Anna) Lucas of Gainesville, daughter in law Christine Lucas of Savannah, GA, brothers, Lawrence A. Popp of McKinney, TX and Frank B. Popp of Tavares, FL, sisters Nadine D. Foley of Umatilla, FL, Carolynn J. Littleton of Bokeelia, FL and Jewel K. Bennett of Fairbanks, Alaska, nephews Tony Nguyn of DeLand, Bill Popp of The Colony, TX, Frank Popp, The Colony, TX, Larry Mercer of Gardenia Ridge, TX, nieces Sarah Nguyn of DeLand and Hai Nguyn of DeLand, 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. "Bill will also be missed by his in-laws, nieces and nephews and many friends and colleagues."

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