Brett William McElheney

Brett was an amazing Daddy, his wife Valorie's dream husband, protective big brother and cherished son and grandson, genius pilot, champion of those in need, a man after God's own heart. He loved his wifey, 4 beautiful daughters Stephanie, Gabrielle, Danielle and Annabelle, Mom Barbara, Father Jim, Brother Jason, and family and friends with all of his being. Ever a tender hearted hero, he adored his dogs Hodo, Aspen and Sierra and his cats Hansi, Calli, Reese's, Piper, and Tink, and even his "little fighter pilot" parakeet Fritzie, Snickle, Elsa and two "couch potato" parrots Sebastian and Picasso. No adventure was too big or service too great, including earning his rescue diver certification, CFII, accomplishing a Master's Degree in Aeronautical Engineering and designing his own airplane wing, achieving Lieutenant Commander flying FA-18's in the Navy and being awarded the Naval Distinguished Flying Cross, as well as earning the rank of Major in the Air Force Civil Air Patrol as a mission pilot and mission check pilot, with several finds and saves of downed planes in the mountains of Western NC to his credit. Always pursuing excellence in a bigger challenge, Brett was known for being able to fly any plane at any time, with his favorites being during zero VFR by instruments only and night traps off the deck of a rocking carrier in a storm going 80 knots. Brett fell in love with aviation when he flew his first plane with his Grandfather Bill Knipe at 8 years old and, following in the footsteps of his Father Jim Mcelheney, has been most at home in the left seat of an airplane ever since. His biggest love was ever reserved for his family, whom he made countless sacrifices for and protected with his life as most cherished. A natural born leader, he exemplified a quiet competence that others easily admired and followed. He has slipped the surly bonds and gone home to sleep with Jesus till that fateful day we meet in heaven again, but he is ever with us in our hearts and memories as an incredible hero of incomparable courage and bravery, an example of what it really means to love with all of one's heart and a true man of honor adored beyond words by his family. Never goodbye my love, only see you very soon. The Visitation will be held at the Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary on Thursday, December 29, 2016 from 4:00P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with the Funeral Service taking place the next day on December 30, 2016 at 1:00 P.M., also at the Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary. Burial is to follow with the Military providing an Honors Presentation at the graveside.