James Willard Boatwright
1918 - 2012
James Willard Boatwright
1918 - 2012
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1918
DIED
2012
James Boatwright Obituary
He was born Feb. 12, 1918, in Franklin County, Ala., but lived most of his life in Colbert County.
Visitation will be 6-9 p.m. Tuesday Jan. 8, 2013, at Colbert Memorial Chapel. Funeral services to begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday Jan. 9, in the chapel. Burial to follow at Old Bethel Cemetery. Brother Bobby Amos officiating.
He was preceded in death by his dear wife of 68 years, Lena Mae Boatwright; parents, Forney Ervin and Dollie Coburn Boatwright; and his loving cat of 33 years "Kitty Girl."
Survivors include son, Maylon Boatwright of Jacksonville, Fla.; daughter, Rhonda Pace of Muscle Shoals, Ala.; grandchildren, Chris Boatwright (Cathy) of Jacksonville, Fla., Kayla Pace of Leighton and Karen Pace of Jacksonville, Fla.; great-grandchildren, Clay Boatwright and Callie Boatwright, both of Jacksonville, Fla.; his two constant companions, Spicey and Buster, his loving dogs.
Pallbearers will be Billy Ray Dawson, Jimmy Looney, Mike Coan, Dwayne Clement, Tom Edd Masterson, Greg Masterson, L.J. Staggs and Larry Boroff.
Mr. Boatwright was a lifetime member of Old Bethel Baptist Church of Leighton, where he served as a deacon. He was fond of gospel music and a song leader for many years at Old Bethel.
He was a retired self-employed commercial and residential construction builder.
Willard was a avid gardener with a green-thumb and when the vegetables came in, he would pick and distribute throughout the community.
A special thanks to his beloved granddaughter, Kayla Pace for her kind devotion to her grandfather for the past five years, seeing to his every need. Thanks to Edwin and Pat Fretwell for the love given to our dear father. To Gary and Sandra Wood, special thanks for the love and attention shown throughout the years.
Mr. Boatwright's favorite gospel group was the Kings Messengers Quartet which will be singing him home.
You may sign our online guest book at colbertmemorial.com
Colbert Memorial Chapel of the Shoals assisted the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
January 8, 2013
Maylon,
I spent about a half hour with your Father in 2008. He told me about the Great Depression, the War, the Fifties. A great man!
Jim Cox
Kathy Garrison
January 8, 2013
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. To his beloved family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Robert Stanley
January 6, 2013
Maylon and family, we were sorry to hear of Willards passing, 94 years old, he lived a long life and was a pillar in the community, growing up I remember his leadership in the church, for many years, I also enjoyed his quartet of himself, Lena Mae, Mr. Ervin and Uncle Walter Wood, they all had an influence in my life. I was glad to visit Willard the last time I came home a few years ago. I walked from Gary's to his house for old time sake, we spent some quality time together that morning, he drove me over into Lawrence County and showed me where my Stanley family had grown up, we had a great time reminiscing . Willard will be missed, not only by his family, but his many, many friends, its a big loss in the community for all he had done over the years. God Bless all of you. Robert and Carol Stanley
Margaret Herrin
January 6, 2013
Rhonda,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Although I never met your father, I have so many wonderful memories of working with you at Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Margaret Knox Herrin
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Mitchell Smith
January 6, 2013
My family and I all loved Willard and Lena Mae. During the time of my Father's pastorate (Billy Smith) at Old Bethel, Willard and Lena Mae were always supportive and loving to our entire family. We spent many Sunday afternoons having lunch at their home. They became an extension of our family. My love and sympathy are sent to all of the family. God Bless you all.
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700 Highway 43 S, Tuscumbia, AL 35674
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