Rodney Wade Pippin

Born on April 12, 1970, in Lynchburg, he was a son of Bettie Marie Jamerson Pippin Bray; and stepfather, Donald Bray Sr. of Monroe. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Allen Pippin Jr.

Mr. Pippin was employed as an airline pilot with the rank of captain with Mesa Airlines at Dulles International Airport. From the age of five, Rodney always knew what he wanted as his career. A family friend who was like a grandfather to Rodney would take him to the airport to watch the airplanes land. From that point, Rodney had his heart set on becoming a pilot and after attending flight school in Farmington, New Mexico, he attained that goal and has reveled in that job for the past 23 years. Rodney joined Mesa in 1994, flew the Beech 1900, the Embraer 145 and later transitioned to Dulles to fly the CRJ700.

Rodney was an avid bluegrass fan and enjoyed camping. He had a kind, thoughtful and generous demeanor and was always willing to help someone else. He was loved by everyone he came in contact with.

Surviving, in addition to his mother and stepfather, are his fiancée, Penny Walker of Cumberland, Md.; two stepbrothers, Donny Bray Jr. and Jeremy Allen Bray and wife, Jolene, all of Monroe; eight nieces and nephews; and Paula and Bobby Stinnette, who were like his second parents.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 19, 2015, at Whitten Monelison Chapel.

A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 20, 2015, at Whitten Monelison Chapel, with Pastor Glynn Coleman officiating.

Inurnment of Mr. Pippin’s cremated remains will be at a later date.

Arrangements were handled by Smith Funeral Home in Keyser, W.Va., and Whitten Monelison Chapel, 3966 S. Amherst Highway, Madison Heights, VA 24572. Online condolences and personal reflections may be made at www.whittenmonelison.com or at smithfuneralhome.net.