Clair Edwin Wyrick

Left Formation February 10, 2012

Clair Edwin Wyrick, 94, of Franklin, passed away, Friday, February 10, 2012.

Born in Alvordton, Ohio, he was the son of the late Raleigh J. Wyrick and Stella Keller Wyrick. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Jean Starbranch Wyrick who died March 11, 2007 and his brother, the late Estel Jay Wyrick of West Unity, OH.

During WWII, he was a B -17 Flying Fortress bomber pilot in the 334th Squadron, 95th Bomb Group of the Eighth Air Force, stationed at Horham, England. He completed 35 combat missions over Europe, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters.

He retired from Eastern Air Lines as a captain after 32 years of service in 1977. His 32,000+ hours of flying spanned four-engine bombers of the early 1940s to the largest jets of the late 1970s.

After retiring to Franklin Mr. Wyrick purchased his own airplane and continued flying for hire and recreation until he was almost 70. He was a founding member of the Macon County Aviation Historical Society; and also well known as a highly skilled restorer of vintage automobiles.

He is survived by a daughter, Claire Ann Bishop and husband Jim of Vernon, FL; two sons, Michael J. Wyrick of Franklin and Matthew J. Wyrick and wife Allison of Mt. Juliet, TN; four grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, February 16, in the Chapel of Macon Funeral Home. Rev. Jim Kinard.

The family will receive friends from one hour prior to the service.

Memorial donations can be made to West Care Home Health & Hospice, 132 Sylva Plaza, Sylva, NC 28779.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com