ROANOKE (WSLS10) - The Roanoke community is remembering a Congressional Gold Medal recipient known for his love for aviation.
Wesley Hillman, 94, passed away on Friday.
Recommended Videos
The World War II U.S Navy veteran is honored in the Virginia Museum of transportation's aviation wing.
He became America's youngest flight instructor when he was 17-years-old, teaching more pilots than anyone else in Southwest Virginia's history.
WSLS10 was there when Hillman accepted the Congressional Gold Medal in February 2015 for his role in getting the civil air patrol started here in the commonwealth.
His daughter told us her father's passion for flight began when he was 11-years-old and lasted his whole life.
"He started going out to the airport, never lost his love," commented Melinda Stewart, Hillman's daughter. "He would ride his bike from southeast out to the airport every day."
A memorial service will be held at 11a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church in Roanoke.