Bobby R. Pilkinton, Major, USAF (Retired)
February 06, 1935 – May 28, 2011

Mr. Bobby R. Pilkinton, age 76, a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away at the Life Care Center in Columbia, Tennessee on Saturday, May 28, 2011.

Graveside Services for Mr. Pilkinton held at the Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Pegram, Tennessee. Heritage Funeral Home in Columbia is assisting the family and in charge of the arrangements.

A native of Lawrence County, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Dudley E. Pilkinton and the late Barbara Burdette Pilkinton.

Following graduation from Central High School in Lawrence County in 1953, he began a rewarding career with the military. He was commissioned in 1956 through the aviation cadet program and held the aeronautical rating of senior pilot. In 1971, he received a Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary aerial achievement in Southeast Asia. Major Pilkinton distinguished himself as a CH-3E Sea King search and rescue helicopter pilot when he flew deep into enemy territory to help rescue a battalion of allied troops in contact with a large enemy force. Despite heavy ground fire and possible mortar or rocket attack, he aided in saving 180 allied troops from certain capture or death. His love for aviation and flying led to his love for remote controlled airplanes. He also enjoyed woodworking. He will truly be missed by all his family and friends.

Mr. Pilkinton left behind to cherish his memory his son John (Jackie) Pilkinton of West Bountiful, UT; his brother Stan (Frankie) Pilkinton of Columbia, TN; his sister Pat (Peter) Gailiunas of Dallas, TX; and four grandchildren: Lauren Pilkinton, Clarke Pilkinton, Tucker Pilkinton and Paige Pilkinton, all of West Bountiful, UT.

Burial information: Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, Nashville, TN