Uwe Peter Solies, PhD took flight from this world on Dec. 14, 2023, in North Ogden, UT.

He was surrounded by family and friends. Peter, as his friends knew him, was born to Sigrid Irene Luise and Bernhard Alexander Solies on Nov. 23, 1949, in Wetzlar, Germany. He is survived by two sons, Tristan Alexander Solies, North Ogden, Utah and Karsten Solies. He was Opa to two grandchildren.

As a young man, Peter played soccer, rode his bicycle to deliver milk and other beverages, and loved school. He joined the newly reformed German Air Force and attended Aachen University, in Aachen, Germany. In the Air Force, he was too tall to be a pilot, so he found other ways to fly, joining local soaring clubs, flying gliders and other aircraft. As Lieutenant, he decided the military was not for him. He attended a lecture by B.H. Goethertt at the University and spoke with him afterwards. Goethertt invited Peter to come to the US to continue his studies. Peter immigrated in 1977, attended Mississippi State University and began his teaching career.

Eventually he relocated to Tennessee and began his post-graduate studies at University of Tennessee Space Institute. Upon his graduation, Dr. Goethertt invited him to teach there, where he led flight-research teams, conducted tests for NASA, trained pilots, engineers, astronauts, and led the UTSI Soaring Club, helping others to enjoy flying and become pilots. Peter taught aerospace engineering and became a tenured professor.

After retirement Peter Solies, PhD moved to Utah to be with his eldest son’s family and lived on the bench of the Wasatch Range near the Uintas and the Rockies, his “American Alps.”

Peter loved the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tullahoma and being an engineer and an avid woodworker, improved the facility by constructing the existing sign, a beautiful bridge to cross the sometimes creek, and an amazing stairs and handicap ramp on the back side of the church. The UU Church was blessed by his many talents as woodworker, frequent speaker, and loyal Church Trustee.

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Tullahoma will hold a celebration of life for Peter Solies friends and families on Feb. 3 at 1 p.m., 3536 New Manchester Highway in Tullahoma. All are welcome.

Tullahoma News – Jan. 31, 2024