Charles Nelson Boehms

1931 - 2017

Charles Nelson Boehms

Clarksville - Charles Nelson Boehms was born February 1, 1931, in Whites Creek TN, the youngest of six (Prince, Sam, Mattilou, Thomas, Annette). He was the last survivor of his beloved brothers and sisters. Family and Christ were of the highest importance to Charlie, and he treasured attending and planning the annual Boehms Reunion every year, which was attended by generations of members of the Boehms Family who came from as far as Singapore to be together and celebrate family and the Lord.

Charlie met his beloved wife, Sammye, while at Joelton High School. They were married in 1952, and moved right away to San Diego, where Charlie served in the Navy, on the USS Princeton, as an Aviation Electrician.

Charlie did return to Tennessee after he served in the Korean War, to attend Peabody College, where he studied to become a teacher. Charlie was inspired to become a teacher after meeting a Navy shipmate who was illiterate. Charlie went on to inspire hundreds/thousands of college students while teaching and working in the administration of Austin Peay State University and Georgetown College.

Charlie completed his BA/MA at Peabody College, and went on to obtain his doctorate at University of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill. While at Georgetown College, he developed an exchange program for Japanese, British and Chilean students. He and Sammye travelled to these places as part of his passion for all students.

Charlie and Sammye began their family while living in the multinational graduate student housing at APSU and UNC, with students from all over the world. Charlie enjoyed making friendships with people everywhere, all throughout many stages in his life and career.

Fondly known as "Dean Boehms", his career included teaching Biology to countless students at Austin Peay and Georgetown College, Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs at APSU, and his career culminated as Vice President of Academics and Provost at Georgetown College.

After retiring from Georgetown College, Charlie and Sammye moved back to their hometown of Clarksville, TN, where they could enjoy the friendships they made while at Austin Peay.

Charlie was also honored to serve on the Montgomery County Election Commission, where he was proud to be a part of democracy in action.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sammye Bracy Boehms; children, Annamaria (Sterling) of Jamestown, CO, Nelson (Deborah), of Clarksville, TN; grandchildren Charlie III, Analena (Tyler), Samuel, of Clarksville, Maggie and Mason, of Jamestown; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and relatives by marriage. Charlie was loved by many, and his family is grateful for all of his friends.

Charlie was a member of Hilldale United Methodist Church.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, October 23, at 1:00 PM, at Hilldale United Methodist Church, with Rev. B.J. Brack and Rev. Vin Walkup officiating. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, in Joelton, TN. Visitation will be Sunday, October 22, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM, at Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, and Monday, October 23, from 11:00 AM until the hour of service, at the church.

Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie's nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made, in Charles' memory, to the Hilldale United Methodist Church Memorial Scholarship (SKR), 1751 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37043.

The Boehms family would like to thank his personal caregivers for their love and support, and the wonderful team at AseraCare Hospice for their compassionate care.

Arrangements are entrusted to Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488. Online condolences may be made at www.nealtarpleyparchman.com.