Greg Dodson

Paul Gregory “Greg” Dodson, 64, of Amarillo passed away on October 6, 2021. Funeral Services will be held on Monday October 11, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the River Falls Venue, 13851 Wild Horse Trail, with Pastor Jim Shelburne officiating. Coffee will be served at 9:00 AM. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Rowley Funeral Home. Greg Dodson was born to Nancy Powell and John M. Dodson on February 3, 1957 in Pampa, TX.

In 1962, John M. Dodson married Bonnie Phyllis Gregg and raised Greg and his six siblings in Amarillo, TX. Greg graduated from Canyon High School in 1974. He started his beloved flying career at the age of 14 with gliders. He hitchhiked to the airport frequently to hang out and bum flights with anybody he could. Greg logged 450 flights between his 17th and 18th birthday. He earned his commercial license on his 18th birthday in 1975. Shortly thereafter he started his first commercial job as Chief Pilot for Caviness Packing Company. We would need an entire book to list the number of planes and flying jobs he held. During that time he attended Amarillo College and earned an Associate’s Degree in Airport Management. Greg logged well over 50,000 hours in the sky. On top of flying airplanes, Greg flew hot air balloons, pogo-jet and powered parachutes. Not sure there’s anyone that could have lived or dreamed aviation more than Greg Dodson. He always said there were too many roses to smell to slow down, and life wasn’t worth living unless living on the edge. Greg began flying with Continental Airlines in 1978 at the age of 21, the youngest age an individual could be hired. He was furloughed in 1980 and started That’s Inflatable.

He met the love of his life, Robin Ann Hardman while making a balloon bouquet delivery dressed as a clown in 1981. In October 1982 he proposed to Robin with a surprise banner on his hot air balloon. They were married in 1983 and shortly thereafter Continental Airlines rehired the previously furloughed pilots. He quickly climbed the ranks and was the youngest Captain at Continental. He dabbled in various hobbies such as performing magic, parasailing, pottery, glass blowing, painting, wood working, sky diving and major building projects. In 1987 Robin and Greg were blessed with their daughter Brittney Nicole. After more dabbling in various additional hobbies, along came their son Jpaul in 1989. In 1991, the family bought Buffalo Airport and shortly thereafter moved and started a skydiving drop zone. Greg and Robin opened their Buffalo Airport hangar for many parties and sporting events for families. Their annual 4th of July parties started in 1995 where they openly welcomed families they knew and encouraged them to invite and bring anyone they wanted. Everyone was welcome and these parties grew into a cherished annual event. During these parties he would take EVERYONE flying well into the night until each person had gotten their chance up in the sky. Greg made it known how important it was for him to make sure they had their chance to fly in the sky.

During his 45 year career with Continental/United he flew various aircrafts including the MD-80, DC-10, Boeing 727, 747, 757, 767 and he was most proud of ending his career flying the 787 Dreamliner. His career carried him to many destinations around the world, but his favorite location was home. While flying his powered parachute with a friend he mentioned he had a dream of living on the rim of Palo Duro Canyon. They acted upon this dream in 2012.

In addition to flying, his passion was helping Brittney and Jpaul in achieving their dreams. He’s helped Brittney build and create the ultimate horse facility known as the River Falls Equestrian Center. He was always there to support Jpaul as well in following his dreams, whether it was working in professional baseball or starting a business. While helping the kids to achieve their dreams, he hired Darius Kimberling who quickly became an integral part of the family as the son who knew “the working end of the hammer.” Darius blessed Greg’s life by being the person he could depend on, confide in and help run the many businesses and hobbies they own.

In 2020, due to Covid, Greg took early retirement from United Airlines. With his love of aviation he jumped at the opportunity to take on the River Falls FBO. During the last year he brought to Amarillo a state of the art flight simulator and provided opportunities one could only dream of for our area.

Those left to cherish Greg’s memories are his wife, Robin Dodson, daughter Brittney Caflisch and husband Christian, son Jpaul Dodson and bonus son Darius Kimberling and his wife Cali, his moms Bonnie Dodson and Nancy Dingman, his brothers, Chris Dingman and wife Bambi, Scott Dingman and wife Wanda, Bob Gregg and wife Brenda, Stacy Dodson, sisters Carrie Shankles and husband Allen and Gayle Tyler. Greg was “Poppy” to his pride and joys Kenley and Kanon Caflisch and Avery Dodson.

Greg is preceded in death by his Father John Dodson, his step father Robert Dingman, his brothers John E. Dodson, Bruce Dodson and Brian Dodson.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to your favorite charity.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.