Remembering Airport's first principal, known to haunt our halls

by Aly G.

Around the 1960s, George I. Pair, the first ever principal at Airport High school, passed away due to a heart attack.  Although it’s been over fifty years since his death, his legacy continues to haunt the halls of AHS.

Geroge I. Pair was born in Savannah, GA on June 21, 1924. He was a member of Westside Baptist Church. Mr.Pair attended grammar schools in Savannah, GA. Charleston High School in Charleston.  He graduated in 1950, University of South Carolina. He served 3 and a half years in WWII as a corpsman in the U.S marine corps, he was stationed in the South Pacific. 

An academic study teacher, Diana Gresham was a student at Airport High in the 1960s when Mr. Pair was the first principal of AHS at the time.   According to Ms. Gresham, she described Principal Pair “very kind, warm, and friendliest.” towards the students at AHS. Mrs.Gresham states that every morning, Principal Pair would stand on the steps, greeting the students with a warm-welcoming smile. Students would also go to Principal Pair with any concerns related to school or outside of school.  He would always comfort the students and give them advice. 

The students loved him more for his caring heart and showing his father figure towards his students at AHS. Many teachers and staff got along with him and loved his positive energy that would lit the room.  At the time when teachers and administrators would offer a ride to the students, in case their ride didn’t come.  One day, he offered a ride to Mrs.Gresham and her two  friends.  As they all drove in the car, he asked them what they wanted to do for their career.  One said “lawyer”, another said “doctor” and another said “teacher”.  Principal Pair said those three professions helped mankind the most.  

Dannette Tumblin Brickley is another teacher who was a student at AHS.  Mrs.Brickey states that Principal Pair always dresses professionally, is very understanding and gives the benefit of the doubt. He never raises his voice towards a student but makes his tone stern if one misbehaves.  According to Mrs.Brickley, he was highly respected, not only at AHS but in the community as well. 

May Mr. Pair continue to rest in peace.

To learn more about Mr. Pair, you can read an article about his death from The State , or even check out his death certificate.