George William Lancaster

November 23, 1938 - October 22, 2021
George William Lancaster

Memorial Gifts & Donations




George William Lancaster passed away on October 22, 2021 from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident on October 13, 2021. He was loved by his children Joan (Kookie), Bill (Scott), Libby (Kenny †), and Micki (Ryan), his 6 grandchildren Michael (Brooke), Brian, Matthew, Brandon (Liz), Kendall (Ritchie), Zack (Carrie), 3 great grandchildren William, Jackson, Oliver, and his nieces Karan and Jackie. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Constance “Connie” Jarvis Lancaster, parents Forrest and Katherine Lancaster and his brother Jack Lancaster.

George was born in Lexington, NC on November 23, 1938 and moved to Wilmington in 1960 for his job with Piedmont Airlines. He began his 36-year career as a purser and retired as a 767 captain. During those years he owned many different businesses including a waterbed shop, picture frame shop, laundromat, and many residential rental units.

George’s strong love for aviation led to owning 4 different warbirds during his lifetime, his latest being the A-26 Invader “Spirit of North Carolina.” He shared his passion for aviation with students at John T. Hoggard High School by teaching aeronautical engineering for a couple of years and with anyone that enjoyed vintage aircraft, including his amazing volunteers. He also enjoyed collecting Lionel trains and operating them on his large train track for family and friends. George and Connie loved living on the Intracoastal Waterway for almost 40 years and enjoyed many evening boat rides.

George was an active member of Winter Park Baptist Church for over 50 years and was an avid supporter of the music ministry throughout those years. He also served as a volunteer for the Azalea Festival for over 30 years.

George’s celebration of life service will be held on Thursday October 28, 2021 at Winter Park Baptist Church in the sanctuary at 1:00 PM and the family will receive guests following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the North Carolina Aviation Museum, In Memory of Captain George Lancaster, 2222 Pilots View Rd., Asheboro, NC 27205 or to the Connie Lancaster Memorial Empowerment Scholarship at Winter Park Baptist Church, 4700 Wrightsville Ave., Wilmington, NC 28403.


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  • October 25, 2021
    Colleen S Buckner Fields says:
    Joani, I am heartbroken over hearing this my prayers are with you and family

  • October 25, 2021
    Colleen S Buckner Fields says:
    Joani, please know my prayers are with you and family

  • October 25, 2021
    Colleen S Buckner Fields says:
    Deepest sympathies Piedmont Silver Eagles

  • October 25, 2021
    George William Knebel says:
    George was one of the first Captains I flew with after joining Piedmont Airlines. He was very gracious, welcoming me to the Airline. He was always very enjoyable to fly with. My prayers go out to the family. Rest in peace, old friend.

  • October 25, 2021
    Sheri Decker says:
    My memories of Captain Lancaster go way back to our Piedmont days. As a commuter in ILM, George got me home many nights on that last flight out of CLT - often standing with some of our other PI family, leaning over his shoulder in the cockpit...so grateful he never left any of us behind. I never tired of seeing him at the old airport, with one of his incredible war planes. He was FUN!!! When I think of our ILM Boys, he is at the top of the list of the GREATS. He'll be missed so much but always remembered by each of us that had the pleasure of knowing him and flying with him. My prayers to all of his family and friends.