William Bumpus Obituary

Bill Bumpus has a special place in my aviation career. As a first officer for TWA at JFK you were required to get typed on the 747-200. Bill gave me my oral exam at TWA´s training center at JFK in December 1987. There was a group of us wide eyed young first officers about to embark on an amazing career. At that time Bill was known among the FAA pilot ranks as Mr 747 because he had flown every model of the 747 that Boeing had built by 1987.

What I remember is he alternated questions between the 6 or 8 of us. His first question to me was how many wheels on the 747? Thinking for a moment that this was so easy it might be one of those trick questions I replied 18 sir. He said good young man just remember you are nothing more than an 18 wheel driver! We all started laughing, it was one of the most enjoyable oral exams that I had during my entire career. My B747-200 type rating was the first in my 50 years in aviation.

Condolences to the family of Bill he was an icon during his storied FAA aviation career. I am proud to say I share an honor with Bill as a recipient
of the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. Rest in peace my fellow aviator

Bill Bumpus holds special places in my Airline Logbook. On 23 Jun 1984 Bill was the FAA check airman for my B-747-200 FAA Type Rating in Atlantic City NJ. The previous crew had a reverser that stuck in full reverse. Bill gave me my oral test while we were on ladders on top of the engine taking turns at hand cranking the reverser closed. The flight went well and he reminded me that Boeing builds and sells airplanes and to be aware that pilots should place a bit of extra safety keeping that in mind. I am proud to have his signature on my License and again 10 days later in my logbook for my Captain Line Check. Bill was known well for his knowledge and expertise and I was always glad to see his smile whenever he flew with us. He made us better pilots and Airlines safer. He is missed but his legacy remains.

I had noted in my Jeppesen-Sanderson Professional Pilot Logbook, number 5 of 7, page 94, dated "15 SEP 1999", flying Boeing 747-400 N491MC from Seattle to Anchorage, 3 hours and 15 minutes later, African-American FAA Examiner and former U.S. Air Force pilot, Bill Bumpus, and Atlas Air Check Captain Wayne Marotz, signed my Pilot Logbook, endorsing the completion of my "Captain´s Check".

We shook hands as I thanked him, then, after we parked the aircraft. I have thought about Bill all these years.

It is sad to learn he has passed away. God bless him and his family.

I just saw the notice in the MOAA Magazine. I am sorry to hear of Bills passing. I served with Bill in C-141s and on the Pistol team. He was a good man. I've thought of him often over the years. RIP

To Bill's family: you have my deepest sympathy. I had the privilege of knowing him at the FAA. He was an extraordinary man who knew so much;had so much to offer and gave it all so generously. I learned a lot from him. May he rest in peace/Theo

Thank you Mr. Bumpus for serving our Country. May you Rest in Peace. Mike Bumpus: We have not had the pleasure of meeting your family but send out our warmest & deepest sympathy. We are here for you. Kim & Brian Bare Family

My deepest condolences. Ann-Marie & girls.

TO THE BUMPUS FAMILY: YOU HAVE OUR DEEPEST AND HEART FELT CONDOLENCE ON THE PASSING OF YOUR LOVED ONE, JUST KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND OUR PRAYERS. MAY GOD' CONTINUAL BLESSINGS BE WITH YOU AS YOU GO THROUGH YOUR HOUR OF BEREAVEMENT. AMEN

To the family of William Bumpus,We the Williams family extends our heartfelt sympathy to you. We were neighbors in the 400 Block of Hamilton. Toledo,O.

May the Most High of Heaven and Earth rest his soul in the Kingdom to come, as told by the Son of Man. Another Macman who accomplished Great Things in life.

I am so sorry too hear of Uncle William passing .....So happy I got to see you all when you came to Toledo over the summer.....I will be praying that God will comfort the family in the loss of a great husband,father,brother, grandfather and friend..... I will keep you all in prayer.......

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of William, a former student of my father at Macomber H.S. My dad, Jesse Flegle, spoke so highly of "Billy" and I remember the stories he told of him as a student and afterward while at Toledo Municipal Airport. Billy was a talented artist and painted the logo on the crop dusting planes for Toledo Air Transport. My sympathies to all of Billy's family and friends.

so sorry for youre families lost . mr bumpus was a great man and raised a wonderfull family. our prayers are with yall

We are praying for your family at your time of loss. We are so happy that your family has become part of ours. If you or anyone needs anything at all, please do not hesitate to call. We love and are praying you.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Our loving heavenly Father is the God of all comfort. May he give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Loretta and Family,
Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with you at this time. Will miss Mr. Bill.
Andy and Ruthie Walker

Lauretta and family,
Eternal rest grant unto Mr. Bill, O Lord. Let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and souls of all the departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

May the Peace of the Lord be with you and your family during this time of bereavement.

Sending our deepest sympathies to our cousin Lauretta and family . Asking God send angels to comfort , bless and uplift you in this hour of sadness . And we send our prayers and love to you all . Gloria , Rudy and Helen .