James Boatwright

DATELINE: Patrick, SC

DECEASED: Mr. James O. Boatwright Sr., age 88, died Tuesday, February 17, 2015.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 2:00 PM, Friday, February 20, 2015 at Patrick Baptist Church

INTERMENT: will follow in the Zoar United Methodist Church Cemetery

VISITATION: is 1:00 – 2:00 Friday, February 20, 2015 prior to the service in the church fellowship hall

HISTORY: Mr. James O. Boatwright, Sr., known throughout the community as "Dock", was born December 3, 1926 in Patrick, SC, the youngest son of the late Frank Hunley Boatwright and Nancy Davis Boatwright. He was a graduate of Cheraw High School and Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, Illinois. He was a World War II US Army veteran, honorably discharged in 1946; in later years he supported the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization. James began working as an electrician for Sonoco Products Co. in 1947; he retired after 44 years of service, but remained active in the Old Timers Club. In 1948, James married Leona Hinson and they had 4 children. James was a faithful member of Patrick Baptist Church, where he served as deacon and training union director, among other positions. He was industrious and hardworking in all of his pursuits, but James was particularly passionate about his gardening. Nothing was more relaxing to him than driving his red tractor while "working" his acre garden of vegetables. James had a hobby of coin and bill collecting as well as genealogy, but his most important priority was family, both immediate and extended. James was known for his dry sense of humor, mathematical facility, and his love of poetry and witticisms. He had a quote for every occasion or teachable moment. In addition to his parents, James was also preceded in death by a daughter Kathy Lynn Askins, a granddaughter Amanda Lynn Askins, and ten siblings.

SURVIVORS:
Wife of 67 years: Leona Hinson Boatwright of the home
1 Son: James O. "Jimmy" Boatwright, Jr. of Hartsville, SC
2 Daughters: Dr. Becki Boatwright of Columbia, SC and Dr. Deborah Boatwright of San Francisco, CA
3 Grandchildren: Rebecca Derr, James O. "Trace" Boatwright, III, Kathleen (Lee) Johnson
3 Great Grandchildren: Bradley, Alexander James, and Caitlyn Derr
1 Sister: Ophelia Simpson of Patrick, SC



Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home of Chesterfield, SC (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) is serving the Boatwright family.