John Marion Boatwright (JB), of Bardwell, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the age of 65. John was born in Los Angeles, California, to Mary and Marion Boatwright on July 17, 1959. When John was four years old, his family relocated to Paducah, KY. John attended the St. Mary School System in Paducah, and later attended the College of the Ozarks in Missouri.
John began his professional career in the oil business as a NACE Coatings Inspector in the early 1980’s. He dedicated his professional life to meticulously overseeing the preservation of various structures and materials. His craftsmanship and attention to detail were surpassed only by the warmth he extended to colleagues and friends alike. John's zest for life and infectious laughter filled every room he entered.
John lived in Louisiana for many years while working on offshore oil facilities, and became fully immersed in the culture. That is where he felt most at home. If it was related to Louisiana, he was all in feet first. During his career in the oil industry, he had the opportunity to travel throughout the country to work on numerous bridge projects and travel internationally to work on special projects in both Africa and Europe.
John never met a stranger. He had a gregarious nature that drew others to him. His humor, friendliness, and spirited demeanor made him a cherished presence at any gathering. He very much enjoyed going to places he had never been to and meeting new people from all walks of life. Everyone was a friend to JB.
His absence will be felt deeply, but his legacy of laughter, kindness, and love will endure forever. He embodied the finest qualities of a friend and will be remembered with fondness and smiles.
Mr. Boatwright is survived by his brother, Dr. George William Boatwright, sister-in-law, Dr. Nancy J. Newman of Louisville, Kentucky; his beloved nieces, Mary Boatwright (Dillin Chambless) of Piedmont, South Dakota, and Madeline Boatwright of Boulder, Colorado; his dear nephew, Lucas Boatwright (Laura Vega) of Blacksburg, Virginia; his beautiful grandniece Eleanor Louise Chambless of Piedmont, South Dakota; and his wonderful cousins and numerous friends.
Mr. Boatwright is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Elizabeth Sparkman Boatwright, and Marion Washington Boatwright.
A private burial will take place at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
His family is very thankful for the wonderful and loving care that the staff at Countryside Rehab and Nursing Center provided for John during his time of illness.
Rest in peace John. The party is waiting on the other side.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to one of John’s favorite places, Camp Ondessonk, 3760 Ondessonk Rd, Ozark, IL 62972. www.ondessonk.com <http://www.ondessonk.com> or 618-695-2489.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
