Bruce Allen Bohannon

When a fellow aviator passes from this life, we say that he has "flown west" (into the sunset). Bruce Allen Bohannon of Angleton took that final flight on July 24, 2024 after a valiant battle with cancer.

A beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend to so many, Bruce was a renowned pilot who lived on his beautiful airstrip, Flyin' Tiger Field in Angleton, Texas for the past 26 years. Born and raised in Alvin, Texas, Bruce had a passion for flying since his earliest memory. He soloed his first airplane by the age of 16 and was a licensed commercial pilot by 18. He quickly became proficient in many aircraft, flying crop dusters as a very young man, competing in and teaching aerobatics and then moving on to corporate jets. He remains one of the most recognizable faces in modern aviation, after competing at the Reno Air Races for 10 years and ultimately setting 35 aviation world records for altitude and time to climb. His Formula One racer, "Pushy Galore" was retired to the Experimental Aircraft Association's museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin with 5 world records. His world famous "Exxon Flyin' Tiger" now resides at the Lone Star Flight Museum on Ellington Field in Houston after setting 30 world records. A member of the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and named on the Wall of Honor at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., Bruce's list of awards and accomplishments is lengthy. However, he would tell you that he was most proud of his two sons, Brian and John, whom he loved beyond measure. Bruce was also a highly sought after flight instructor, teaching everything from basic to advanced flight skills, including aerobatics, at his beloved Flyin' Tiger Field.

Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Marvin (Ed) Edsel Bohannon, mother Edith (Jane) Bohannon and Brother Daniel J. Bohannon, all of Alvin.

He is survived by his sons, Brian Allen Bohannon of Friendswood and John Michael Bohannon of League City, grandson Nathan Potane Bohannon of Friendswood, brothers Dale Bohannon and Darrell Bohannon and sisters Lisa Bohannon Northrup, Janet Bohannon Choate and Sarah Bohannon Gulley, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The number of lives that Bruce touched and pilots whom he inspired is staggering and is reflected by the many friends who rallied to support him in his final months. He was loved for his quick wit and charm and always had a helping hand extended to anyone who needed it. Bruce liked to say that he lived a hundred lives in this one and no one could argue that. His passing leaves a huge hole in so many hearts and he will be greatly missed. No public services will be held, per his request.

Godspeed Bruce, you have reached the ultimate altitude!