Celebrating the life of
John Lawson Mabry
May 16, 1942 - January 06, 2016
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC - John Lawson Mabry, 73, passed away on January 6, 2016 after a long battle with cancer. He served in the United States Air Force for twenty years, including three tours in Vietnam. Later in his career he flew Presidential support missions and out of Country primary aid flights.
He later lived in Saudi Arabia with his family for seven years while he flew for Saudi Arabian Airlines. His plane was once hijacked by a Syrian separatist who demanded to be taken to Stockholm. The plane did not have sufficient fuel and landed in Turkey and was immediately surrounded by the Turkish Army. John was finally able to wrestle a knife away from the hijacker and helped save the 277 passengers on board.
In 1987 John moved to Japan and for 15 years flew for JAS and served as a project manager and Chief Engineer. He and his family then moved to Hilton Head and he continued his love of flying in the A-300 for Tradewinds Airlines in Macau, Taiwan and Puerto Rico for another 5 years. During his flying years, John visited over 132 countries around the world.
In retirement, John loved fishing and his work with computer technology at Hilton Head High School.
John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marie Dabrowski Mabry and two sons, Brian Mabry and Chad Mabry and grandchildren Blake, Chloe and Saige.
A Celebration of John’s life will be held at the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church at 412 Parkersburg Road, Savannah on January 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.
Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the American Cancer Society.
Maria, I enjoyed our times together in Saudi and Japan. John will be missed. Love to my birthday partner.
- Walt and Tae Ok Coffey, Henderson, NV
Marie, just to let you know I'm thinking of you. You know, I bet John and Doug are having a great visit! Our angels! Love you my friend.
- Susan Hambric, Beckley, WV
Thinking of you Marie at this sad time. With Deepest Sympathy to your and John's family. John will always be an exceptional person. He fought a long and hard battle at the end, with you by his side. I am so sorry for your loss.
- Edna Holland, Hilton Head Island, VA
So sorry for your loss Marie. Our condolences to you and to your and John's family. We did not know John all that well but the few times we were together he seemed like a great guy. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Ron and Carol Clack, Marietta, GA
Maria, I enjoyed our times together in Saudi and Japan. John will be missed. Love to my birthday partner.
- Walt and Tae Ok Coffey, Henderson, NV
Marie, just to let you know I'm thinking of you. You know, I bet John and Doug are having a great visit! Our angels! Love you my friend.
- Susan Hambric, Beckley, WV
Thinking of you Marie at this sad time. With Deepest Sympathy to your and John's family. John will always be an exceptional person. He fought a long and hard battle at the end, with you by his side. I am so sorry for your loss.
- Edna Holland, Hilton Head Island, VA
So sorry for your loss Marie. Our condolences to you and to your and John's family. We did not know John all that well but the few times we were together he seemed like a great guy. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
- Ron and Carol Clack, Marietta, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
