MOUNT OLIVE — In honor of the late George H. Futrelle, a scholarship endowment has been established to continue his leadership, mentorship, and service legacy in aviation and the local community.

The George H. Futrelle Scholarship Endowment will support the University of Mount Olive’s Aviation Program students, prioritizing those with an advanced Instrument Rating and Commercial License status.

George H. Futrelle, who unexpectedly passed away on May 25, 2023, was a beloved figure in Wayne and Duplin Counties and in the aviation community.

He began his journey at the Duplin County Airport in 1989 and served as the Airport Director, dedicating over 30 years to seeking grants and advocating for the airport’s development. Futrelle’s passion for aviation and commitment to educating others about its economic importance were hallmarks of his career.

Futrelle also served as the Assistant County Manager for Duplin County for over five years, held positions on the North Carolina Airport Association Board of Directors, and was a former President of the Board. He was involved in various committees and commissions, including the Duplin County Transportation Committee, Duplin County Airport Commission, and Mount Olive Airport Commission.

In addition to his professional achievements, Futrelle was ordained in the Original Free Will Baptist denomination in 2009 and served as pastor of Walnut Creek Original Free Will Baptist Church in La Grange.

Prior to that, he pastored the congregation at Daly’s Chapel FWB Church near Seven Springs. He was a Godly man who served and loved the Lord with all his heart.

A 2004 graduate of Mount Olive College, Futrelle’s connection to the University of Mount Olive was deep.

He lived with his wife of 38 years, Renee P. Futrelle, on the outskirts of the University, and the couple could hear the hourly chiming of the campus carillon. Their daughters, Samantha and Meredith, as well as their son-in-law, Brandon Lee, are all UMO alumni.

Additionally, Futrelle served on the University of Mount Olive Board of Trustees, contributing significantly to the University community.

George’s mother, Sally P. Gillis of Boone, established the George H. Futrelle Scholarship Endowment.

“We wanted to honor George’s passion for aviation and his commitment to helping others,” Gillis said. “This scholarship will support students who share a love for aviation and aspire to make a difference in the field.”

George’s older brother Greg Futrelle, also of Boone said, “George was a man of unwavering faith and dedication. Always positive and upbeat, he loved to talk about the airport, his church, and his family. He was also a dedicated servant to his community and the Lord. In one of our last conversations, he was very enthusiastic about the UMO Flight School. This scholarship endowment is not only a fitting tribute to his legacy but also a lasting contribution to the local and regional economies. I think George would have been pleased with that.”

George’s sister, Joy Ingallinera of Wrightsville Beach, said of her late brother, “I am incredibly proud of my brother’s accomplishments. This endowment represents a continuation of his lifelong love of aviation and dedication to his family, church, and community.”

Anyone wishing to contribute to the George H. Futrelle Endowed Scholarship can make checks payable to the University of Mount Olive and include the scholarship name in the memo line — mail to University of Mount Olive Advancement, P.O. Box 90, Mount Olive, NC 28365.

Online gifts can be made at umo.edu/give-now/.

For questions regarding the George H. Futrelle Endowed Scholarship, please contact Vice President for University Advancement Dr. Twyla Wells at [email protected] or (919) 658-7722