Joel Oneal Boatright

Joel Oneal Boatright, 71, of Valdosta, died suddenly on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 following an accident. Born in Lake City, FL to the late Jasper Oneal & Cornelia Marable Boatright, he had lived in this area for the past 50 years. Mr. Boatright grew up in Mayo, FL and graduated from Mayo High School in 1960, he went on to graduate from North Florida Junior College. He then came to Valdosta and graduated from Valdosta State College (now VSU) with his BA degree before achieving is Master's Degree in Theatre and Theatrical History from the University of Georgia. Following graduation, Mr. Boatright returned to Valdosta State College and began a teaching career in Communication Arts and Theatre that would span 30 years. While at VSU, he pursued his Doctoral Degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee. Following his retirement in 1996, he continued to teach part time at Georgia Military College and VSU while he was developing and new venture- Boatright Service Contracting, which continued until the present. Mr. Boatright was a true outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed activities such as boating and shooting, as a member of Little River Sportsman's Association and the NRA. He was also an avid hunter and a member of the Little River Hunting Club and a life member of Ducks Unlimited. Riding motorcycles and paintball wars with family and friends were also activities he enjoyed.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Mary (Monie) Boatright, of Valdosta; a daughter and son in law, Terri & Lee Cothron of Valdosta; a son and daughter in law, Joel & Isabel Boatright, of Valdosta; another daughter and son in law, Tricia & Greg Kearce of Thomasville; and four grandchildren, Hunter Cothron of Valdosta, Bayleigh Kearce of Thomasville and David and Andrea Boatright, both of Valdosta. Also surviving are three brothers and sisters in law, Harold (Schrunchie) & Cindy Boatright of Houston, TX; John & Maurene Boatright, of Mayo, FL; Allen & Connie Boatright of Havanna, FL and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2014 in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home. Mr. Ron Bowdoin and others will be speaking in Mr. Boatright's honor. The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon from 4 until 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted or donations are requested to the Valdosta State University Department of Theatre and Dance, 1500 N. Patterson St. Valdosta, GA 31698. Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602