Ernest Ray Boatwright Sr.

Ernest Ray Boatwright Sr. obituary, Jacksonville, FL

Ernest Ray Boatwright Sr.

Ernest Boatwright Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Integrity Funeral Home & Cremations - Jacksonville on Jun. 22, 2022.
The family of Ernest Ray Boatwright, Sr. is humbled to announce that on June 19, he went home
with the Lord, where we know he's now far better than "fair to midland". Ray was born on
January 28, 1931 in Aiken, South Carolina to Ernest Robert Boatwright and Rosa Lee Mader.
Ray lived a life of simple boldness; he was respected by everyone whom he crossed paths with.
He loved his wife and his family with quiet strength, always taking care of whatever needed
taking care of. Ray loved steam engines, toy trains, puzzles, chocolate, and his Boston Terriers.
In December of 1987, he bowled a perfect 300 at Bowl America. For more than forty years, Ray
watched over his neighborhood, spending countless evenings walking about to meet with his
neighbors and make sure people were safe.
After a long career with Marshall Heating and Air Conditioning as Sheet Metal Mechanic and
Technician, Ray technically retired but didn't really stop working. On any given day, he could be
found fixing something that was broken or working out in his yard. He was talented with sheet
metal and duct tape, and had a penchant for figuring out how to make anything work. Ray was
intrigued by technology and often could be found tinkering with the newest gadgets on the
market. Conversely, he's saved many an old Atari from the junk yard- even though he loved the
new things he always held on to a piece of the past.
Ernest Ray Boatwright, Sr. was a true gentleman. He walked in faith and in integrity in every day
that he lived, and anyone who knew him would agree that it was a blessing and a privilege to
call him a friend.
Ray was preceded in death by his daughter Robbie Faye Bohannon and brother Dennis
Boatwright.
He is survived by his wife Patricia; sons Ernest Ray Boatwright, Jr. (Pam) and Mathua Henson
(Debbie); daughters Wendy Leigh Lanzilotta, Brenda Dee Marshall (Jim), and Norah Lynne Firth
(Glenn); and a multitude of grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Ernest, please visit our Tree Store or plant a tree.

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

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