2017 Henry James “Hank” Brown, Jr.
Hank Brown was born on May 3, 1944 and grew up in Greenville. He is the proud father of Buffy and Jay, and grandfather of Will, Olivia, Alex and Christian. Hank’s friends and family know him for his incredible memory and sense of humor. He humbly serves as a deacon at Reedy Fork Baptist Church.
Hank has worked at the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) for more than 57 years as a line service supervisor, chief pilot for Hollingsworth on Wheels, and most recently as the owner and operator of Fixed Based Operators (FBOs). He started his first FBO, Greenville Jet Center, at GMU in 1989. Greenville Jet Center is now the largest FBO in South Carolina. In later years, Hank’s FBO network expanded to include Donaldson Jet Center and Camden Jet Center. Due in large part to his dedication and hard work, GMU was able to create the Southeast Aviation Expo, now held annually at Greenwood County Airport (GRD). Hank was also instrumental in the creation and funding of Runway Park at GMU, a very popular aviation themed children’s playground located next to the Runway Cafe.
A member of numerous aviation organizations and a life member of the South Carolina Aviation Association, he has more than 15,000 hours as pilot in command and over 5,000 hours in turboprops. Hank’s most prized accomplishment is reflected in the many individuals he has mentored that now enjoy successful careers in aviation.