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Several area aviators paid tribute to one of their own Oct. 8 during a flyover of Leonard Purvis’ graveside service at Serenity Gardens in Atmore.

The flyover consisted of between 7-8 planes flying in a missing man formation. The formation is an aerial salute performed as part of a flyover of aircraft at a funeral or memorial event, typically in memory of a fallen pilot. Purvis was a former crop duster.

Sky Warriors, the Pensacola (Fla.) Air School and others participated in the flyover.

“His family requested a flyover over the cemetery on the north end of the (Atmore Municipal) airport,” Airport Manager Freddie McCall said. “This was just a way to honor a fellow aviator.”

Those who participated in the flyover included Scott Miller of Pace, Fla., who flies a Zenith 750; Ryan Pitts of Brewton, who flies a Cessna 172; Bill Weaver of Century, Fla., who flies a Cessna 172; Dr. Trace Stafford of Brewton, from the Navy; Matt Rajkovich of Michigan who lives in Pensacola; and Rusty Plenkers of Molino, Fla.