About Kent
Kent Weathersby is the President and CEO of Weathersby Guild, Inc., a domestic franchise with companies across the United States. He and his wife and childhood sweetheart Mary Ann live in Peachtree City, GA, not far from their three children and seven grandchildren. They live a comfortable and peaceful life. But, It hasn’t always been that way.
Growing up as the son of a WWII Marine Corps veteran, Kent was attracted to the military and especially to flying. Navy and Marine F-4 Phantoms, F-14 Tomcats, and A-4 Skyhawks were a common sight in the skies over Norfolk, VA. He knew at an early age that he would set his sights on becoming a pilot. The couple was married during college and after his graduation, they set sail for the US Air Force. By 1967, Kent had earned his wings and was flying combat missions over Vietnam.
By the time he reached the end of his military commitment, Kent and Mary Ann had two lovely daughters, Missy and Jennie. It wasn’t an easy decision but the family left the Air Force dreaming of landing a seat in the cockpit of an airliner. That was not going to be easy because at the time, there was very little hiring going on in the airline Industry. Application after application was turned down. It was during a conversation with a Bible teacher and good friend that he was told to hold on to Philippians 1:6. “Being confident of this very thing that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ.” It was a promise.
In 1972, the promise was kept when Kent was hired to fly for Eastern Air Lines. A third daughter, Micah, came along in 1974 and the family was complete. Everything was perfect for the Weathersby family – highly desirable career, nice home in an Atlanta suburb, lots of friends and a wonderful church life.
From almost out of nowhere, the dark clouds of an unexplained and severe depression fell upon Kent. After realizing that his condition was very serious, he was forced into medical retirement, not knowing if he would ever fly again. Every day was a dark and painful spiral. Losing the career he loved only deepened the despair. From somewhere deep inside however, the promise could be heard as if it were a whisper. It was his hope and his anchor.
The ascent from the pit was slow and arduous. Insights came and went like leaves on the fly but in time, his eyes were opened to his inner brokenness. “I waited patiently on the lord and He inclined to me and he heard my cry. He brought me out of the horrible pit, the miry clay and set my feet on a Rock. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God, many shall see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.”
The way back into the sky is chronicled in “Memos from the Furnace.” Lessons learned and principles to live by were refined in the fire of suffering. Each is a step that led to the resurrection of a career as a Captain and Instructor on a major airline.