
 Our mutual interest in aviation drew us together and enabled us to have a strong working relationship. 
I have known and worked closely with Will since the mid ‘90’s, primarily on First Flight Centennial Commission/Foundation activities.

To me, Will was,  “ingenious”, cleverly inventive and resourceful . Will knew  so many people across aviation and other paths of life.  He earned trust, was an original thinker and got things done. His broad experience facilitated his ability to apply common sense to complex challenges and deduct effective solutions.  He excelled in all leadership positions,  quietly demanding, expectant of good results, but always wrapped in a good sense of humor. 

Close family ties, so many friends, so many important accomplishments.  We’ll miss you Will…..!
~L. Ferg Norton, (RADM, USN)

Will was so very thoughtful when it came to all aviation concerns for his beloved North Carolina, and from a Wright family perspective, his pride in and reverence for the 12 seconds that changed the world was always evident. We will miss his steady consideration and easy, easy smile. Godspeed. 
Amanda Wright Lane (Ohio)

Ann, the love of his life.  The "kids".  Family.  VMI.  Aviation.  North Carolina.  Will was not shy about his passion.   Working for Will was less of a job and more of mentoring,  with real gut intuition balanced against data, bureaucracy, politics, organizational dynamics and relationships but always with humor.   I learned so much from Will, not withstanding the "Will-isms".   Phone calls-any time, any day.  So many things about Will to miss; so many things to remember.  
Karen Warlitner, Executive Director 


You will be sorely missed Will.  You and Ann have been such wonderful friends for many years, always generous and kind, and your silence now will be noted.   Rest in peace.  You deserve the rest, and the honors bestowed on you.

To the love of my life...I will always love you and miss you until we are reunited. You loved all aspects of aviation and so proud to have served your country. But most of all you loved our family and made us your priority everyday.   I love you so much!  Your loving wife, Ann

Will Plentl was an admired leader in the aviation community, serving as the Director of Aviation in North Carolina for numerous years and our President in 1983. NASAO mourns the loss of our friend, leader and advocate for aviation. Our thoughts are with Will's family and friends during this time.

Shelly Simi
President & CEO
National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO)

My prayers and deepest condolences to the Plentyl family.  I had the privilege  of working with Will for 15+ years at CDIA.  Will’s impact on the CLT airport community will always be remembered and honored.  He was quite the character, something we grew to really appreciate in our high stress environment. 
Rest In Peace my friend.
Terri

Rachid and I enjoyed and appreciated Will's sense of humor, kind heart, and zest for life. I can't quite believe he is gone but his legacy and spirit live on.   With deepest sympathies to Will's wonderful family, please accept our condolences. 

There are too many memories of VMI to share.  It always a great loss when someone passes.  Remember the good times and the love all shared.  My deepest sympathies to you and your family

Sending my deepest condolences to the Plentl family.  I had the privilege of working with Will at NCDOT for several years and thought very highly of him.  He was always pleasant and humorous and highly regarded as head of the Aviation Division.  We are so blessed with fond memories of our years at DOT.  

It was my pleasure to know Will through the NC Airports Association and through his service on the NC AirTAP Steering Committee. His considerable experience, wise guidance, entertaining stories and genuine friendship will be greatly missed. May God bless his family through this time of loss and remembrance.

I am so sorry to hear of Will's passing.  He has been such a special friend and mentor to me over these last five years.  Please know that his family (especially wife and granddaughter) are in my thoughts and prayers.  The aviation community has lost an advocate and North Carolina has lost an ambassador and caretaker of its First in Flight legacy.  Rest in Peace, Will.

A hearty salute to my good friend Will. Thank you for giving so much of yourself to all of us. I will always remember your amazing wit and generous heart.  Your steadfast patience and mentor-ship meant a lot to me and everyone you touched. I will never forget all of your calls of encouragement and and on hand advise as you somehow knew just when and how to give it. You were an inspiration to all of us in the Aviation world and we will be forever grateful to your contributions, faithfulness and dedication to your family, State and Country.  Rest in Peace my friend, as your work here is done -  welcome unto the household of the Lord thy good and faithful brother. 

OBITUARY

Willard Gathings Plentl, Jr. (Lt. Col. Retired AirForce)

August 3, 1945 – March 23, 2019

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services