Albert G. (A.G.) Westbrook Jr. (Lt. Col. USAF-Ret.)

Published 4:04 pm Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Albert G. (A.G.) Westbrook Jr. born Nov. 21, 1929 to Albert G. and Lessie Westbrook in Demopolis died Sept. 6, 2018.

Mr. Westbrook graduated from Demopolis High School and Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University). He married Hazel Solomon June 3, 1951 and was soon thereafter commissioned into the United States Air Force.

He is predeceased by his recently departed wife of 67 years, Hazel; his parents; his son, David Timothy; brother, Joe Pearson; sisters-in law, Sue Ray and Louise Pearson; and brothers-in-law, Merrill Gross, Bill Ray and Johnny Spencer.

Email newsletter signup

He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted and loving family including his sister, Rosalie Westbrook Gross; daughter, Becky (Mike) Bannon; son, Gary (Tina) Westbrook; grandsons, Brad (Lauren) Bannon and Rob (Kelly) Bannon; granddaughters, Haley Westbrook (Sam) Kirkpatrick and Lindsey Westbrook (Christopher) Lee; great-grandchildren, Laney and Bates Bannon, Ann Hayes and Sam Kirkpatrick, and Brooks and Kate Lee; brothers and sisters in-law, Jackie Solomon Spencer, Emmett and Lillian Solomon, and Charles and Joyce Solomon; and many nieces and nephews.

Soon after their marriage, A.G. and Hazel spent six years of active Air Force service at several posts including Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, Massachusetts, and finally Newfoundland. He was a pilot assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron and remained an active leader and participant in this proud squadron’s reunion activities throughout his life. Their children were born during their time in active duty. They returned to Demopolis where A.G. first worked with his widowed mother in her dry cleaning business. He subsequently joined Vanity Fair Corporation and worked for several years in the Demopolis location, rising to the office of Personnel Manager. He was offered an opportunity to join The Commercial National Bank in the late 60s and soon rose to the role of President and Chairman. He retired from the bank’s Board of Directors in 2002 after 34 years on that board.

A.G. was a civic leader throughout his career, including serving on the industrial development board and the city council. He was a member and leader of a host of civic and athletic clubs, associations and support groups. He was selected “Citizen of the Year” in 1998 by the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce and was always a positive ambassador for Demopolis.

A.G. joined the Air National Guard in Meridian, Mississippi in 1963 and served until his retirement in 1978, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He principally piloted the “Voodoo” (McDonnell F-101) and “Phantom” (McDonnell Douglas F-4) aircraft during his time in the Air Guard. His military service and particularly his many years of flying were very special to him.

He was a faithful member of Trinity Episcopal Church and was a leader of its Friday morning men’s Bible study. He enjoyed golf and tennis, playing the former until the last weeks of his life. He was a friend to all he met, always had a ready smile and kind word and relished opportunities to gather with family and friends. He set a positive example for all who were fortunate to know him.

A service of celebration was held Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018, 10:30 a.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church in Demopolis. Interment was at Riverside Cemetery.

The Westbrook family extends its sincere thanks to all the friends who have sustained A.G. and Hazel for many years with their kindness and caring. A.G. loved each and every one of you more than can be expressed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Memorial Fund of Trinity Episcopal Church, PO Box 560, Demopolis, AL 36732.