OBITUARY
Paul Edward Pokorny III
September 29, 1965 – December 29, 2020
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Paul Pokorny of Collierville, TN, on Tuesday, December 29, at the age of 55 years.
He will be remembered by his wife of 16 years, Sara; son, Jeffrey; brother, Greg; sister-in-law, Joanne; and nephew, Jarod Pokorny; as well as many other family members and friends.
Paul, originally from Bath, PA, was a pilot. After graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1988, he served in the United States Air Force and later flew for ATA Airlines. After earning a Master of Arts degree in Teaching in 2009, he finished his career as a pilot and flight instructor at FedEx Express. At FedEx Paul felt great satisfaction in being able to combine his love of both flying and teaching.
Paul was simply a good person - kind, gentle, thoughtful, intelligent, and talented. He was someone who found purpose in his life and his work. He treasured his family and friends, and he was loved in return.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in Paul’s name to the Mid-South Food Bank.
Memories
Paul Edward Pokorny III
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYFrank Thomas
January 11, 2021
Sarah,
Gloria & I are saddened to hear of Paul’s passing.
I have fond memories of flying with Paul.
We remember attending your wedding in the “cave” & were honored to be a part of your celebration.
You & your son are in our thoughts & prayers. Stay strong.
Frank & Gloria
Kristin Peer (Hood)
January 9, 2021
Sarah and Jeffrey,
I am so sorry to hear about Paul's passing. Sending you lots of love from California.
Love, Kristin (kiki)
Ann and Todd Neuser
January 6, 2021
Dear Sara and Jeffrey,
Please accept our deepest condolences. We were very saddened to hear about Paul and will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Ann and Todd
Keith McKeon
January 6, 2021
Sara and Jeffrey,
I wish nothing but the best for you both moving forward. Paul was my oldest and truest friend all the while growing up and I would not be the man I am today if it was not for his impact on my life. Even as teenager back in Bath, it was plain to see that Paul was cut from a better and nobler mold than most.
I can simply say, I will miss my friend for the remainder of my days.
Brad Robinson
January 6, 2021
I remember Paul from the Air Force Academy. He was in my squadron, and his personality always distinguished him as one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. I sincerely share my condolences with the Pokorny family.
Brad Robinson
USAFA 1989
Rebecca Clarke
January 5, 2021
Dear Sara and Jeffrey,
We are deeply sadden to hear about Paul. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts are with you. May your memories of Paul forever stay near. ❤️
Love,
Rebecca Clarke
(The Fines)
Seth McCaskill
January 5, 2021
Paul was one of the best people I've ever met. His endearing personality, integrity, and quick wit always made for a good friendship. We talked about playing guitar, seeing Saturn through the telescope, and getting together for this New Year's when he got out of the hospital. While that can't happen, I will think about him when I play and sing, when I gaze at the stars, and when I am in the presence of good friends.
Joe Abel
January 3, 2021
I shared some good times and some miserable times with Paul freshman year at the Academy in CS-22. He was true team player who persevered with a great attitude. Paul's smile and demeanor always let everyone know everything was going to be alright. So sorry I didn't take the time to reach out to him at the last reunion. He will be missed...
Michael Sasse
January 3, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with and getting to know Paul in the FedEx Training Department the last several years. He was a vital part of a team that rebuilt and taught the course for new instructors and check airman. He was also an excellent instructor. I’ll always remember his quick smile and positive attitude, even as he labored through frequent treatments. He was and is an awesome individual who will be missed by many.
Ben Miller
January 3, 2021
Paul was a joy to work with. Always upbeat and professional. I appreciated his service to both the US Air Force and Fedex. He will be missed. So sorry for your loss. Respectfully, Ben Miller
Matt Cushman
January 3, 2021
I was a Soaring Instructor with Paul at the Air Force Academy. I also went to pilot training with him. Like many friends from our youth we lost touch, but that doesn’t lessen the sadness. Paul was always one with a quick smile and someone everyone liked to be around. At school we had a term for that. We would say someone had a high GDF, or Good Dude Factor. That youthful expression encapsulates my memories of Paul. My prayers are with your family.
Geoffrey Gibbs
January 2, 2021
I graduated from the Air Force Academy with Paul and knew him from there and Reese Air Force Base, gives me great sadness to hear of his passing, good man...Lord guard and guide...rest in peace Paul
Andrea Thompson
January 2, 2021
Dear Sara and Jeffrey,
We are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Paul's quick smile as we would catch up in the street while out on our walks or doing yard work. We are thankful for your friendship and that we are neighbors. We pray for peace for you, your family and friends and are here to help in any way that you need. You have our deepest sympathy.
Love,
Jon, Andrea, Sarah & Annika Thompson
Geoff Hicks
January 2, 2021
I had the pleasure of team teaching with Paul ten years ago. Paul’s calm demeanor and welcoming personality made him a perfect choice for teaching fledgling students. Over the years our paths would cross on a regular basis and he would keep me up to date on his medical struggles. He always impressed me with his courage and optimism despite what had to be grueling circumstances. I will miss my friend, but am comforted that he is no longer suffering. My heart goes out to Sara and Jeff in their time of grief and loss. Rest In Peace, Paul.
Kim McCaskill
January 1, 2021
Paul was a wonderful family friend. We enjoyed hearing him play guitar and sing, play games at the dining room table with us, and share several New Years celebrations and dinners. Our family is so grateful that we got to know him in his final years. Sara and Jeffrey, we are thinking of you as you grieve. We grieve with you. Our best to all of Paul's loved ones.
Kevin Lane
January 1, 2021
Rest In Peace Paul...you will be missed for your smile, your drive and your steadfast dedication to your fellow aviators. Your impact on the pilots you instructed is eternal.
“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” ― Leonardo da Vinci
Arthur Saenz
January 1, 2021
Paul was my instructor, he was a great mentor, always had a smile on his face and a word of encouragement. Paul will be surely missed. May God bless him and keep him.
Michael Cullagh
January 1, 2021
I will miss my friend.
Trevor Feist
December 31, 2020
I had Paul as an instructor at FedEx. He was a true professional and took great pride in his work. It was a privilege to have been taught and guided by him.
John O’Boyle
December 31, 2020
Paul was such an important part of my youth. We were in Scouts together and went to junior high and high school together. His passing is a shock and he went far to young.
Jim Brennan
December 31, 2020
Sara and Family,
On behalf of the Fedex ALPA Bereavement Committee, we wish to extend our sympathies with the passing of your husband and our fellow pilot, Paul. Paul will be missed. Paul has trained and helped many of our fellow pilots. In his memory, we will stand ready to assist his family during this time. Our deepest sympathies for your loss and may his Creator’s Perpetual Light shine upon as he Rests In Peace.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Jim Brennan
FDX ALPA Bereavement Committee