Benjamin Franklin Boatright

Benjamin Franklin Boatright, of Watkinsville, passed away on February 7, 2026, at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Ben was born on July 17, 1938, in Oak Park, Georgia, the son of Benjamin and Addie Wates Boatright. After the passing of his father, Ben moved at age 13 to Laurens, South Carolina, where he attended high school and graduated in 1958. He later made Watkinsville his home and was a member of Ashford Memorial Methodist Church. He also proudly served in the South Carolina Army National Guard.

Ben spent his career in the poultry industry, beginning in Laurens before moving to Athens in 1962 as manager of the Poultry Industries egg co-op. In 1965, he began selling baby chicks, first with Harrold’s Hatchery in Winterville, then Wallace Hatchery in Tampa, Florida, and finally Hy-Line International in West Des Moines, Iowa. His territory covered much of the southeastern United States, and for many years he proudly held the distinction of being their number one sales representative. His work required constant travel, but no matter how full his schedule was, Ben never missed time with his boys or family. Family always came first.

Ben retired in 2000 after suffering a stroke in 1991 that affected his speech. But anyone who knew Ben knows that nothing could quiet his love for conversation. He truly never met a stranger. If he saw someone he didn’t know, within five minutes that had changed. He asked questions freely, without boundaries, and that was exactly how he made friends everywhere he went.

Ben loved people and believed life was meant to be shared. He treated the grocery store like a social hour and could turn a quick errand into a dozen conversations. He also had a deep love for God’s creatures and took great joy in feeding the animals that visited his backyard. One of his favorite ways to care for others was through food. Ben grew his own collard greens, cooked them himself, and delivered them ready to eat to many friends, a simple but heartfelt expression of his generosity.

Family and community were central to Ben’s life. He volunteered as a Little League coach for the Snow Tire Little League team, where he loved encouraging kids and connecting with parents just as much as the game itself. Whether on the ball field, in the backyard, or out running errands, Ben made everyone feel known.

Ben’s life was marked by kindness, curiosity, generosity, and a genuine love for people. His presence filled rooms, his questions opened doors, and his friendships stretched far beyond where he lived. He will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents and several siblings. He is survived by his wife, Dianne, of 62 years; his son Scott and wife Lori; his son Jason and wife Susan; and his five granddaughters, Gracen (Will), Camryn, Perrin, Hallie, and Ansley (Riley). He is also survived by his sister, Martha Murphy, of Laurens, South Carolina.

A service to celebrate Ben’s life will be held at Lord & Stephens West in Watkinsville, Georgia, at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026. A reception will follow, and the family would love the opportunity to visit with you and hear your favorite stories of Ben.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ashford Memorial Methodist Church Building Fund.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com