Charles Raymond Boatner

SFC (Ret) Charles R. Boatner, age 85, resident of Hamilton, Georgia, died on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at St. Francis Hospital. Funeral services are scheduled at Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby, Columbus on Saturday, October 17, 2015, 3 p.m. with Reverend Mike McBride officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, October 16, 2015 from 5-7 p.m.

SFC Boatner, son of the late James Longino Boatner and Susie Mae Willis Boatner, was born July 10, 1930 in Newton, Mississippi. He was retired from the U.S. Army where he served honorably for over 20 years. During his distinguished military career, he served his country in both the Korea Era Conflict and Vietnam Era Conflict. SFC Boatner received numerous medals and ribbons to include the Bronze Star; Korean Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/60 device; Armed Forces Expedition Medal (Korea); Expert Infantry Badge; and Expert in Competition Badge. While in the military he became an expert pistol shooter and was recognized later as Captain of the All-Army Pistol Team. SFC Boatner was a member of Emanuel Baptist Church; a loving husband; father; grandfather; and a friend to all.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Dianne McKain. SFC Boatner is survived by his wife of over 64 years, Odelle Boatner of Hamilton, Georgia; one daughter, Cheryl “Sherry” Edwards of Columbus; two sons, Charles Wayne Boatner and his wife Mary of Tallassee, Alabama and Richard Keith Boatner of Greenville, South Carolina; one sister, Lula Mae Weeks of Columbus; eleven grandchildren, Bryan, Michael, Charlie, Matt, Mark, Nikki, Sam, Brett, David, Jonathan, and Jamie; thirteen great-grandchildren; many other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the American Cancer Society at www.acscan.org .