Michael Gene “Boaty” Boatwright, Sr.

Michael Gene “Boaty” Boatwright, Sr. age 77 peacefully passed away at his home in Flowery Branch, GA on April 2, 2024 after a year-long, hard-fought battle with cancer.

Born June 15, 1947, in Marion County SC, Michael was the youngest son of the late Rev. Everett Brunson and Snow Lane Boatwright.

Michael spent his childhood residing with his family in several towns and cities throughout the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina, and often recounted fond memories of people he met in every location. As a father at 19, he worked several jobs in Mullins, SC to support his young family before relocating to Charlotte, NC in 1970. There he began a career with Ruralist Press –which then took him to Jacksonville, FL and then, lastly, to Oakwood, GA where he was the general manager until the lead-type print company finally succumbed to digital technology and closed in 1985. Even then, he did not leave the printing industry, continuing to work for Moreno Press/Dittler Brothers/World Color/Quebecor-World until his retirement in 2008.

After his retirement, his love for nature, the mountains, and waterfalls led him to hiking. Along trails throughout Georgia and North Carolina he had many adventures and made a multitude of friends. Even during his last few months of his life, he was heard several times saying, “I need to get in the woods; it will make me feel better!”

One of his proudest physical accomplishments was completing the Peachtree Road Race shortly after his 70th birthday. 

Michael was a firm believer in earning everything you get in life and he never shied away from hard work. He has remained in contact with his former workmates from Moreno and attended their regular get-togethers. He was a member of the FOE (Fraternal Order of Eagles) Aerie 4452. Always patriotic – when our National Anthem was played, he could often be seen stopping whatever he was doing, wherever he was, to stand, face the flag, and put his hand over his heart with tears in his eyes. Our Nation’s flag flew high in his yard year-round and he was an avid supporter of the James E Willis VFW Post 8452.

In addition to his parents, Michael was predeceased by two brothers, Harold Dean “Beau” Boatwright and Maj. Cecil Wayne Boatwright (Ret.).

Left to cherish his memory are his children Deborah Boatwright (Scot) Reynolds of Timmonsville, SC and Michael (Wendy) Boatwright, Jr of Flowery Branch, GA; three grandchildren, Allan-Michael (Marisa) Kendall of Braselton, GA; Daniel (Kimberly) Kellogg, II of Florence, SC; Sara LeAnn Boatwright of Flowery Branch, GA; one great-grandchild, Eden Brooke Kendall; a brother, Tom (Karon) Boatwright of Walterboro, SC; long-time companion, Anita Powell; his dearest friends, Betty Rider (Walt) Tigrett; as well as several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews he has always held close in his heart.

The family will receive visitors at Memorial Park South, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, GA on Friday, April 4, 2025 from 12p-2p. A memorial service will be held immediately after visitation. The family is respectfully requesting privacy at the graveside.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the amazing Northeast Georgia Medical Center Hospice team who provided excellent care for Michael and exceptional support for his family during the last eight days of his earthly life. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are encouraged to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Smile Train as Michael donated faithfully for many years to these two organizations dedicated to helping children.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Pkwy, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 is in charge of arrangements. Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.