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Barry Boatwright Obituary

An informal gathering will be held from 5 to 7 tonight at Crosspoint Community Church for Barry Boatwright, 53, Hokes Bluff, who went to be with the Lord on Saturday morning, Aug. 4, 2007. He passed away peacefully in his sleep. The Rev. Bruce Word will officiate. A time of sharing and brief memorial service will begin at 7 p.m. to honor Barry's life. Private graveside services will be held at a later date. Crestwood Funeral Home is in charge.

Barry was a loving husband and uncle to a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, J.B. and Lucille Boatwright; his sister and brother-in-law, Kay and Oscar Hood; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Newman and Marjorie Thacker; and sister-in-law, Cathy Thacker Phillips.

Barry graduated from the School of Pharmacy at Auburn Unviersity in 1977. He practiced full time until returning to school at Jacksonville State University to obtain his Master's in Education. He continued his education and earned post graduate hours in his teaching field. Presently, he was a biology and chemisty instructor at Gadsden State Community College and continued to practice pharmacy part-time.

One of his greatest passions in life was deer hunting. He enjoyed being outdoors with nature and with the companionship of his brothers-in-law, Gary and Jeff, and his friend, Bobo. He enjoyed working in the yard and planting a garden every year. He grew some of the best tomatoes in the neighborhood. Most importantly to Barry was the privilege of teaching his students. He was a very caring teacher who always did his best to ensure that his students excelled in their chosen field.

He is survived by his wife, Kim, and his pet, Coon Dog; his sister, Sadie McGinnis; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Gary and Pam Palmer, Jeff and Deana Thacker, Randy and Jane Thacker, Judy Bynum, and Gerald and Carolyn Thacker; a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews; his friends, neighbors and students.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Barry Boatwright to the Gadsden State Community College Scholarship Office, P.O. Box 227, Gadsden, AL 35902.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gadsden Times on Aug. 6, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Barry Boatwright

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Penny Shierling

August 26, 2008

Kim and Coon Dog, I don't know if you remember me- But I was Barry's work/study during the hunting accident in Canada. Barry was such a great educator- I always teased Barry that he could not retire from teaching til my daughter's had time to take his classes- I just learned of his passing when my daughter was looking through GSCC catalog and seen his Memorial fund- Kim, I am so sorry- I would have loved to be there for his service. I would not have made so far in my education without Barry's guidance- there were days that I just wanted to give up on myself- Barry had such a loving, supportive sprirt- when ever I wanted to give up- he would sit down and talk to me- I believed in myself because he always believed in me. Barry was the most wonderful professor- he could teach anyone - he was just so down to earth- I am sorry that I lost contact with Barry -I would love to talk to you - please email me if I can contact you. My girl's are so upset about Barry's passing - my youngiest, Paige would come to class with me alot- Barry made her day by always reconizing her in class- he would walk by and pat her on the head- and say wow they just keep getting younger and younger- we came to house several times to bring tests and things he needed from his office during the recovery- both my girl's loved Coon Dog!! Please accept our sympathy- the world lost excellant person- who in my eyes can never be replaced. I hope things are better for you now. Barry will be missed, Dennis, Penny, Meagan, and Paige Shierling

Meagan Shierling

August 25, 2008

I just found out about Professor Boatwright. I was shocked. He was my mom's professor and boss when she was a student at GSCC many years ago now. He was always nice to me and my younger sister when we came to school with my mom. He will be missed.

Gerald Dodd

July 22, 2008

I only learned of Barry's untimely passing this past weekend. I had not seen Barry for some time, but whenever I ran into someone from his area I always told them about Barry and asked if they were lucky enough to have known him.

The good Lord Obviously had need of another special person.

Take comfort that he is well and living with Jesus today.

Krystal Magouirk

October 17, 2007

There are very few people in this world that leave a lasting impression. Mr Boatwwright was one of the greatest, most sincere, and caring teachers I have ever had, if it hadn't been for him I would not be a nurse anesthesist today. He will be greatly missed. I am so glad I had the opportunity to learn from him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Phillip Snider

September 11, 2007

I miss my friend Barry. He was one of the most kind and intelligent persons I had ever met. I miss his smile, wit, and companionship. Gadsden State will never be the same without him.

Coleman Vaughan-Turner

August 18, 2007

One of the greatest men I've ever known. Compassionate, thoughtful, and brilliant are just a few of the thousands of words that could be used to describe this man. Mr. Boatwright made a huge impact on my life as I know he did on others' with his unmatched ability as a teacher and friend. My heart goes out to his family. The world is defiantly a dimmer place with Barry to brighten it.

Letitia vaughan

August 18, 2007

Barry Boatwright was my son's most special teacher. What a shame someone so lovely has left this world. We needed him, and more like him. He will be greatly missed!

shauna cornelius

August 17, 2007

Mr. Boatwright was one of the best teachers that I have ever had. He was truly student oriented, which is rare to find in college. He was adored by many students including myself. I had him for 2 summers including this summer for chemistry. He was down to earth and solid gold. He will be missed.

merin graves

August 17, 2007

mr. boatwright was a wonderful teacher. had it not been for his encouragement and helpfulness, i would not have made it through organic chemistry. i am so sorry to hear about his passing, please accept our deepest sympathies. from Merin Graves, husband Chris & son Bryce (student, fall 2006)

Shelby Dobbs (student)

August 8, 2007

Sorry for the lost of your love one, he was such a caring teacher and it was so hard to go back in class with him not there. He will be missed. May God Bless You and Your Family, You are in my prayers.

Tonya Laney -student

August 7, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Elaine Wagnon

August 7, 2007

Barry was considered one of my long life friends. We were friends for 36 years. Sorry I am not with you Kim. We had fun together. Barry made great chili. I will miss him . My prayers are with you.

Mike Ashley

August 6, 2007

Another good one gone, way to early.

Bow Hunter

August 6, 2007

Our Prayers are with the family at this sad time. He was a joy to all who knew him.
Bowhunters Of Alabama-
BHA

loyd fleming

August 6, 2007

i went to school with barry and he was one of a kind. my deepest symphathy goes out to all your family. loyd fleming

DAVE, DONNA, BRADLEY, AND SARA ROSE

August 6, 2007

BARRY WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND NEIGHBOR. WE'VE SHARED MANY GOOD TIMES AND BAD. HE WAS A LOT OF HELP IN OUR KIDS EDUCATION. HE WILL BE MISSED VERY MUCH AND WILL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEART.

Tracey Clement, RN

August 6, 2007

Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of Mr. Boatwright. We will always remember his smiling face and kind words.

Gadsden Pulmonary and Sleep Clinic, PC.

Geraldine McCormick

August 6, 2007

Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on, and
cherished memories never fade because a loved one's gone.

Those we love can never be more than a thought apart. Far as long as there is memory, they will live on in the heart.

Susan Wadsworth

August 6, 2007

It goes without saying that Barry was one of the favorite teachers at the Anniston Center. Barry loved his students and his students loved him. Barry was a good friend to all of us and he will be deeply missed.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Crestwood Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery - Gadsden

2209 East Broad Street, Gadsden, AL 35903

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