Joseph Ernest "Joe" Boatwright

I remember Joe as a kind & caring Pastor & friend to many who knew& loved him

For me he was Uncle Joe. Met him through Andrea his daughter. Andrea came on a mission trip to Haiti & we met in Haiti. My parents were missionaries in Haiti. I was around 13 years old. Well, they opened their home to me in Florida & treated me as their own children. We´ve had many laughs, talks. Jesus radiated in the life of Incle Joe. He had genuine love for God & others. He had lots of humor as well. Loved hearing him preach at Aloma Baptist Church. Can´t wait to see him when that trumpet sounds. He is loved & missed

Going to church with my Great Grandmother Thetis Thompson here in Tampa & listening to Pastor Boatwright preach the sermons on Sundays!

To Mrs. Boatwright and family, my name is Dianna, and I have thought about Brother Boatwright since I met him back in 1985. My friend´s family (the Beckett´s) invited me to come with them on a road trip to Florida, and we stayed there a night on our way from Mississippi to Orlando. You opened your home to us and we attended a service before getting back on the road to Orlando. You were so kind to us; and although I met you both only once, as a young girl, I could not forget your kindness. I had kept my church bulletin as a memory and keepsake. Please accept my condolences, and may God bless you all and keep you in His comfort and love. -Dianna Patterson

Brother Joe was my pastor in college. He changed my life.

Brother Joe was my first Pastor before I had any idea what one was. I grew up in the FBC of Mims. My siblings and I grew up with the Boatwright kids, he was in many ways larger than life, the man could preach. I have so many fond memories of encounters with him. Joe Jr and I went to school and played together almost daily being mischievous little boys led to many encounters and fond memories with his Dad. He introduced me to my Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ. He always walked the gospel he talked!

He was my great uncle and everytime I saw uncle Joe he always had a smile on his face and no matter how I was feeling he made me feel better because he just had a peace about him that no one else had. This past may I had a graduation party at my house and even with him being older he came all the way from Orlando any it really made me happy to see him there. I'll miss him alot but something tells me he's in a better place now and reunited with his family and my grandpa who passed in 2018

We are so blessed to have Brother Joe and Joyce in our lives while attending Aloma. He had such a pastor's heart for all that came in the door. We never had such a loving pastor, and he had a great sense of humor. Brother Joe never missed an opportunity to share the gospel. Brother Joe and Joyce really made a great team and knew how to love on people. He is now with his Savior and Lord. Love, Joe & Jill

Pastor Boatwright was our Pastor at Aloma when my husband and I got engaged. We attended the pre-marital counceling with Brother Joe and he married us. We will be celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary in April. He will be deeply missed. Many prayers to Joyce and family

I lived in Pastor Joseph Boatwright´s home when I was a teenager. Him & His wife treated me & considered me as their own family. Him & His wife are considered as my Uncle Joe & Aunt Joyce. They were very supportive to my parents Pastor Edgar Shreve & Jessie Shreve who were missionaries in Haiti. I first met them when there was a group that visited Haiti. Uncle Joe has such a love for Yeshua and it just radiates through him. He has a genuine love & compassion for people. Oh boy! Do I love his humor! He is a spiritual inspiration in my life. He holds dear to my heart. He will not be forgotten by me. And I can´t wait to see him again at that trumpet sound. My prayer are with all the family & friends that are afflicted by his departure. I know that Uncle Joe is no longer in pain & is in the presence of His Redeemer. Hugs to you all

His humor & friendliness & love for Jesus! I knew Joyce more & loved her praying God´s comfort & peace for her & the family Wonda Myers

We always enjoyed our times of fellowship in the Lord (peppered with Joe´s jokes), and sharing our love for the Lord as Joe was always intentional to direct the conversation toward Jesus. His love for our Lord was so obvious, encouraging us to keep on, keeping on in the faith! A couple years ago, our last lunch with Joe and Joy, Joe asked the waitress how he could pray for her, and he did so right there after she told him. What an amazing heart for people!

Joe was a lover of family, immediate and extended! We were part of the extended family that was included in his circle, and it meant a lot to us! Joe and Joy were always so welcoming to us, and opened their home to us! Joe will be missed but we know he is enjoying fellowship with his Lord and we will get to join him one day!

Praying for you Joy and the entire family! It´s not goodbye Joe, but see you later!

We will remember Pastor Joe as a story teller, jokester and a passionate man for the Gospel. Our families are related through Joe's wife Joyce Matthies Boatwright and my father in law Floyd Matthies. We are thankful for the opportunity we had to spend time with Joe and his wonderful family and the shared stories of his life, family and always his love for Jesus Christ. He will be missed..... With Love, Arla and Craig Matthies