Byron Conaway

Born in 1961 and raised in Morris Chapel, TN, Byron later moved to Bolivar, TN, where he was introduced to aviation by Billy Whitehurst, owner of Bolivar Aviation. In the early 1980s, Byron purchased his first aircraft - prior to obtaining his pilot’s license. In 1981, Byron made his first solo in an Aeronca Champ and received his private pilot’s license soon thereafter. In 1983, at age 22, Byron became the airport manager at Savannah Hardin County, Tennessee, a position he held through1987. During this time period, he also managed a crop-dusting operation. In the early 1990s, Byron worked with famed aerobatic pilots Duane and Marion Cole.

Byron’s passion for aviation led him to begin collecting unique vintage and military aircraft and memorabilia, with the goal of displaying his collection to the public. Over the past 40 years, he has worked to restore and maintain many rare and antique

aircraft, including a vintage military L-16. During his lifetime, he has owned over 130 aircraft, which became the impetus for his museum in 2015, at the Sibley Airport in Selmer, TN,

Thousands of students have visited his museum, all of whom leave with a gift of a balsa wood aircraft. The exhibits at this museum are set up to especially appeal to children

and its rural location in SW Tennessee makes it a perfect field trip for schools. Byron has had a passion for aviation from childhood and he has personally funded many projects and the museum to help expose numerous young people to opportunities in aviation – something he never had growing-up. Byron Conaway is one of Tennessee Aviation’s most generous, ardent and lifelong supporters of aviation, and is a champion of furthering appreciation of aviation history in Tennessee.

Byron also hosts events to bring the community to the airport and make aviation accessible to the public. Additionally, Conaway is also a local philanthropist supporting Veterans and underprivileged citizens in West Tennessee.

For his exemplary service and contributions to Aviation in Tennessee, our Nation and the World, Byron Conaway is enshrined in the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame this 27th day of September, 2025.