Ray Carl Boatwright

Ray Carl Boatwright Ray Boatwright, 87, of Hilton Head Is., SC, and recently of Minneapolis, MN, passed away after a long illness on May 19th, 2012, surrounded by family. Born near Cheyenne, OK, he endured the Dust Bowl poverty era to eventually move with his extended family to Grass Valley, CA. Ray worked many jobs including picking crops at 8 yrs old, quick silver mining in his teens, and as an Army supply Sgt. at the Presidio during WW II. He married the love of his life, Sally, in San Francisco, CA, in 1945. They lived and raised 4 children in Hayward, CA. As a top salesman, he eventually became partner in the restaurant coffee and whole sale food distributing company, Avard-Garth. In 1978, he and Sally re-located to Reno to run Nevada Food and Beverage Co., which he ran successfully for several years. After Sally's death in 1983, he later married Sharon Thibodeau (son Mark), sold his business and retired. His love of golf and Sharon took him to Roswell, GA. They purchased a vacation home in Hilton Head Island, SC, where Dad played as much golf as he ever wanted. Divorced in 1996, he settled permanently in HHI, where he lived until moving to the Minneapolis area in early 2012. He loved his many friends in Hilton Head Is., including Marshall Bryan, Vince Russo, Tom McCarthy, Dave Teschner and Stephanie Beach. Preceded in death by parents, Henry and Mollie, step-father, Harry, sister, Meg, step-brother, Bucky, wife, Sally, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and son, David, all of whom he dearly loved. Survived by children, Donald (daughter Katie) of Reno, Diana (Dan B.) of Reno, and Debra (Kay J.) of Minneapolis, dear brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. A man of integrity, Dad lived by four principals, "Treat your customers like kings and queens.", "Never say never.", "Do it now, there is no tomorrow.", "Don't lie, cheat or steal." Thanks for all you did for us, Dad. We miss you now and will forever! Many thanks to The Hospice of the Low Country, Hilton Head Island, SC and Fairview Hospice, Minneapolis, MN. His care was wonderful. Internment is Aug. 18 at 1:00 pm, Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544. Memorials preferred to National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Animal Humane Society.