John Nelson Boley

MAYSVILLE — John Nelson Boley, 79, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. John was born April 30, 1946, in Maysville to the late William W. and Dorothy L. Grigson Boley.

Alumnus of both Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and Morehead State University (MSU), John achieved two bachelor's degrees: one in business (EKU) and one in education (MSU).

John began his diverse career in Atlanta, Ga., as a junior partner for an engineering firm where he specialized in machinery and equipment appraisals. It was during this time he met the love of his life, Sheila Ann White Boley. They moved to Morehead and started a family. While in Morehead, John co-owned and operated the 801 Camper Park with Ann.

After several years in Morehead, he and his family moved to his hometown of Maysville, where he finished out his career, first as a middle school teacher at St. Michael's School in Ripley, Ohio, and then as an educator and mentor for the Buffalo Trace Area Development District to help disadvantaged youths achieve their GEDs.

John is survived by his children, Emmy (Carey) Felix of Summerville, S.C. and Will (Katie) Boley of Cambridge, Mass.; and grandchildren, Kenneth (Kenny) Felix, Ella Felix, and Charlie Boley; and several extended family members.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Ann Boley; brother, Billy Boley; sister, Mary Ann Boley; aunts, Evelyn Mofford, Sylvia Vice, Ruby Kalb, Martha Poynter, Mary Smitson, Martha Branch, Stella Dillon and Thelma Josephine Boley; and uncles, Eugene Grigson, Raymond Grigson, and Richard Grigson.

For John, family was everything. He enjoyed playing Santa during Christmas gift exchanges, playing video games with Kenny and Ella, and playing the guitar and singing for his family. He enjoyed staying in touch with his family from afar through group chats and by playing frequent dice games and talking with Charlie through FaceTime. John embodied a robust sense of resilience, hope, and wisdom, which comforted and empowered those around him to find their inner fortitude and belief.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at Brell and Son Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, at St. Patrick Church with Rev. Augustine Aidoo as the celebrant. Burial will follow in the Maysville and Mason County Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Patrick Church (110 E Third St, Maysville, KY 41056), Mental Health America of Kentucky, or Alcoholics Anonymous (Area 26) are welcomed and encouraged. For donations, please indicate "In memory of John and Ann Boley."

Condolences at www.brellandson.com