At an early age, Richard professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at Gospel Ark Temple Bible Way Church under the leadership of Elder Eugene Bridges in Washington, DC where he was a dedicated member. Richard later joined Rhema Christian Center Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Clarence C. Givens.
Richard's educational background was established within the District of Columbia Public School System. He subsequently expanded his educational pursuits, obtaining certificates from the University of Maryland in Baltimore County for completing his Computer Certification training course and Montgomery College for completing coursework in information technology. Throughout his professional life, Richard held multiple roles. He was employed and later retired from the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). In the early 90's, Richard and his brother, Frank, co-founded Boatwright Transportation Incorporated. Moreover, he worked as a Title & Driver License Agent with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), and, prior to his passing, as a Licensed Realtor, Maryland Tag & Title Clerk and worked for Nico Buys Cars in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Richard encountered and later wed the love of his life, Billetta M. Gaines, on Friday, December 16, 1988. The pair was inseparable. They spent 41 wonderful years together.
Richard, a devoted servant of the Lord, was regularly found reading scriptures or in prayer for 20 hours out of the 24 hours in a day. He displayed a strong passion for culinary arts and baking, receiving praise for his mouth-watering creations. He took immense pride in his various roles as husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, and faithfully executed each responsibility.
Richard peacefully departed this life on Friday, April 4, 2025. He is preceded in death by his parents; Frank Sr. & Willie Bell Boatwright, Father In Love; William Gaines, Sister In Love; Angela Berry, Sisters; Frances Hickson & Jean Boatwright, Brother; Frank Boatwright Jr., Nieces; Dianne “Dee Dee” Hickson & Rohnicka Boatwright and Nephew; Warren Stokes Jr.
Richard’s life will forever be cherished in the lives of his wife of 36 years, Billetta M. Boatwright, Son; Carl C. Boatwright, Grandchildren; Aniah, Khyrale & Seven Boatwright, Zyonna & Ajanay Wiggins and Frenel Georges, Mother In Love; Mary Harris, Nieces; Voncedia “Bonnie” Hickson & Zakeya Boatwright, Nephew; Tyrone Hickson (Tina), Devoted Friends; Gregory Hayes & Claude “Jeff” Jefferson, First Cousins; Dorothy Penn, Earl Cole & Jacqueline Hines (Westley), Devoted Sisters In Love; Cynthia Gaines & Juanita Brown, Brothers In Love; Anthony Byrd, David Shepherd & Paul Sykes, Great Nephews & Nieces; Brandon Hickson-Hamilton (Lamar), Cheyla Pierce (Asa), Ambre’a, Shayla, Christopher (Alisha) and Tyshawn Hickson, Johntr’e Jenkins and Michael, Ameisha & Curtis Boatwright.
Richard also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, family, friends and extended family to cherish his memories forever. Richard loved with his whole heart, his engrafted family that meant the world to him.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” II Tim. 4:7-8
A visitation for Richard will be held Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE, SILVER SPRING, MD 20904, followed by a reception from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
