Donate in memory of Kurtis Williams

Kurtis Dale Williams left this life unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, due to a private plane accident south of Greensboro, NC.

Kurt leaves behind his wife, Maria whom he met in Hawaii, and their 19-year-old son, Ted.

Kurt graduated Summa Cum Laude from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics with a concentration in Aviation/Aerospace Safety. Kurt's aviation career spanned several years including the US Navy, Hawaii Air National Guard/USAF, and North Carolina Air National Guard/USAF, with multiple overseas deployments, retiring after 20 years serving our great country. Kurt’s civilian aviation career included Cessna Aircraft Company, Honda Jet, and NASA, with pilot contracts in Alaska and the South Pacific Islands.

With Kurt's guidance and inspiration, his son, Ted recently received his pilot license in June 2022. Kurt was integral in his son's flight training, instructing and teaching him the nuances, skills, and technical aspects required of a pilot. Inspired by this father, Ted was devoted to accumulating flight hours in the Piper Cherokee they purchased in 2020 and looked forward to the continued flight instruction from his Dad.

Ted earned two congressional nominations, and a full appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Long Island, NY, beginning his plebe year in July 2022. Ted is excelling in marine engineering, serving in the US Navy Reserve, and pursuing his instrument rating this year. With the loss of his father, this fund will support and encourage Ted to further his flight training, help hire instructors, fuel costs, maintenance, equipment, and other required items a pilot needs during continued flight training, all in Kurt's memory.

Your donation will help Kurt's legacy live on through Ted's passion for flight.