John McDermott

John McDermott, of Inman, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 3, 2025.

John graduated from Garinger High School in Charlotte, NC, with the Class of 1967, and went on to earn his degree from Kings College in Charlotte in 1970.

John’s lifelong passion was aviation. He began flying remote-control airplanes at the age of five guided by his father, a World War II pilot. By age 15, he had already begun training as a pilot. His professional career began at Carolina Mills in Hickory, NC, and later continued at Milliken Aviation in Greenville, SC. He was an accomplished airline transport pilot, rated for multi-engine land and sea aircraft.

Beyond his professional career, John dedicated himself to the world of competitive remote-control airplane racing. Over the course of five decades, he amassed more than 70 first-place wins. He was the NMPRA National Champion, placing 1st through 10th in national races, and also earned 1st place in EF1 at the Nationals, setting multiple record times.

John is survived by his wife, Tracy McDermott of Greenville, SC; his son and daughter-in-law, Harrison and Sarah Kate McDermott of Savannah, GA. He is also survived by his loving sister, Betty, and her husband, Warren Hollar of Bethlehem, NC; nephews, Stephen Hollar and his wife Andrea, and Jacob Hollar; and cherished brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Darryl and Janice Totherow; and brother-in-law, Keith Totherow. He was preceded in death by his parents, Penelope and John McDermott, and his brother Glenn McDermott.

Visitation will be 1:00-1:45 PM on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Jackson Baptist Church, 2668 John Dodd Rd, Wellford, SC 29385. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, conducted by Rev. Jim McMakin. Burial will immediately follow in Wood Memorial Park, 863 Gap Creek Rd, Greer, SC 29651.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gentiva Foundation or to the charity of your choice.

John will be remembered not only for his extraordinary accomplishments in aviation, but also for his enduring love of flight and the joy he shared with others through it.