George Andrew Dimsdale

On July 16, 1929, George Andrew (‘Andy’) Dimsdale came into this world to make it a better place.  He left us on July 26, 2022, and he will be so missed.

Andy was a Tar Heel by birth, born in the mountains of North Carolina, although he was later raised in Kansas City, Kansas and considered that home.  He was one of four children, all of whom remained close through adulthood.  He played high school football, kicking the winning extra point in 3 consecutive games, and thankfully survived the experience.

Andy was a lifelong aviator and highly decorated Marine pilot.  He served his country during the Korean War as a Marine Corps Pilot, flying Corsair fighters off of aircraft carriers.  During the war, he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses as well as the six Air Medals.  He crashed twice, once shot down behind enemy lines in Korea and, notably, he survived a crash in a faulty airplane in the Dismal Swamp in Eastern NC.  He was the first to survive a throttle problem that left the incredibly powerful engine running at full power.  His quick thinking enabled the Navy to diagnose a deadly manufacturing problem in the aircraft, saving countless lives thereafter.  He stayed with the Marines after Korea, flying some of the first US combat jets.

Andy was hired by Braniff Airlines in 1956, when he moved to Dallas where he met his wife, Lois.  He flew many passenger aircraft as Braniff grew to become the fifth largest carrier in the US.  He was an accomplished captain, racking up a grand total of zero exciting incidents and crash stories in his 36-year career.  On his last commercial flight as a pilot, all four of his children were aboard to celebrate.

His daughter, Amy, was paralyzed in a diving accident at 11 years old.  He and his ex-wife, Lois, dedicated themselves to supporting a meaningful life for her, spending most of their free time coordinating health care, supporting activities, maintaining her home, and performing every- day duties.  Eventually they were able to find a most compassionate and hard-working helper, Maria Luisa Vazquez, who became a member of the family and continues to be close, even though Amy passed away in 2013.

Andy was a quiet man, always seeking opportunities to help others but never one for many words.  He never met someone that he didn’t consider a ‘good guy’ and offered his help to anyone who had a need.  He carried many tools everywhere he went, always at the ready to fix something (anything, actually) for a neighbor, friend, or stranger.  He truly had a servants’ heart in all things and was widely liked and admired for his sparkling blue eyes and disarming wide smile.  Andy was a sacrificial giver – putting the needs of others ahead of his own.  After moving to Durham in 2016 to be near family, he was an enthusiastic and steadfast member of the Wednesday family pizza night crowd.

Andy leaves behind his ex-wife and dearest friend, Lois Ann Windt Dimsdale of Durham, NC, son Todd Dimsdale (wife Allison Dimsdale) of Durham, NC, son Steven Dimsdale (wife Kristin Ann Dimsdale) of Waterford, Michigan, son Sam Dimsdale of Buckeye, Arizona, granddaughter Carolina Dimsdale Tennyson (husband Christopher Tennyson) of Durham, granddaughter Hannah Dimsdale Johnson (husband Ryan Johnson) of Durham, great grandsons Gideon Massey Johnson and Malachi Dimsdale Johnson of Durham, Grandchildren Colby Dimsdale and Casey Dimsdale of Waterford, Michigan and the entire Ackner family of Durham, NC.  Gone before him and no doubt waiting joyfully for him at the gates are his parents, sisters Virginia and Bonnie, brother John, and incredible daughter, Amy.

A private celebration of his life will be held at a later time.  Andy’s family is thankful for his many friends and caregivers at Bartlett Reserve in Durham, and Mebane Ridge in Mebane – who always showed him respect and kindness.  Thanks also to Dr. Michael Meredith, Dr. Michael Blazing and Allen Stephens PA at Duke Health for their intentional and skillful support of Andy.  Lastly, Duke Hospice cannot be recognized enough.  It is because of them and the relentless and loyal staff at Mebane Ridge that Andy’s last breaths were peaceful, private, respectful, and holy.

Fly high and onward, Andy.  We love you.