William Boatner Reily III

William Boatner Reily III, Chairman Emeritus of William B. Reily & Co., Inc. passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on January 5, 2015 at age 86. Mr. Reily was a lifelong resident and generous benefactor of his beloved city of New Orleans. He attended Metairie Park Country Day and graduated from Woodberry Forrest School. He went on to Yale University and graduated from Tulane University. Boatner was dearly loved by so many and will always be remembered as the consummate gentleman with his vibrant personality, compassionate nature, business acumen and generosity. He cherished New Orleans food and traditions, especially Carnival. For 10 years he served as Captain of Rex and in 1982 reigned as Rex. That same year he started the Royal Run, now an annual event that has become a cherished tradition. An avid runner, he completed several marathons including the Mardi Gras Marathon and the 1980 Boston Marathon. Papa, as he is affectionately known by his family, religiously took his young grandsons to breakfast every Sunday and to Audubon or City Park to feed the ducks. He never missed an occasion to be with them or bring them to see the Mississippi River, his source of inspiration. Mr. Reily is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years Wendy Griswold Reily; his daughter Elaine Stokes Reily and daughter-in-law Marilyn Rose Stern; his son William Boatner Reily IV and daughter-in-law Caroline Toth Reily; his grandsons William Boatner Reily V and Hugh Bramhall Reily. He is preceded in death by his parents William Boatner Reily, Jr. and Elaine Pujo Reily; and his grandson John Warburton Reily. In his life he was touched by many people including Jack Aron, Walter Cronkite, Walker Percy, Paul McIlhenny, Carroll Shelby, and Paul Thomi. Hail to a life well lived! A memorial service will be held at Audubon Tea Room, 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans on Sunday, January 11, 2015 from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. Memorial donations to the Audubon Nature Institute would be appreciated.