Raymond G. Boatright

Raymond Gale Boatright of Roland, Oklahoma, born April 26, 1915 in Wichita, Kansas, went to be with the Lord and his beloved wife, Maxine, July 4, 2012. Raymond was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Maxine (Bowlin) Boatright, and his parents Beulah and Guy E. Taylor of Roland.

Raymond was a World War II veteran of the Army Force where he served in the Pacific. Raymond sold lumber, contracted houses and for a time was in the grocery business in Roland and Muldrow. Raymond was a long-time member of the Roland Church of Christ where he served as elder for 52 years. He helped with the construction of the current building where that church meets. Raymond also oversaw the construction of Roland FamilyMedical Clinic in 1986. Raymond had many friends in the Fort Smith area. He is a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend that will be missed by many who knew him.

Funeral service will be 3:30 PM Saturday, July 7, 2012, at Roland Church of Christ with interment to follow at Roland Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith.

Raymond is survived by three children; son, Ronald Boatright and his wife Roz of Denver, CO; son Jim Boatright and his wife Nickey of Fort Smith; daughter Gail Russell and her husband Dr. Jerry Russell of Roland; five grandchildren Chip and Diane Boatright of Rockford, Michigan; Brad and Leann Boatright of Denver, Colorado; Eddy and Laura Russell of Denton, Texas; Adina Boatright of Fort Smith; Chuck and Kayla Russell of Moore, Oklahoma; eight great-grandchildren Samantha and Drew Boatright; Conor and Kira Boatright; Alize Boatright; Olivia and William Russell; and Kelsey Russell.

Pallbearers will Chuck Russell, Eddy Russell, Harold Slate, Gerald Cowens, Art Beaty and Darnell Blaine. Honorary pallbearers will be Brad Boatright, Chip Boatright, Sherman Gage, Gary Roughly and George Perry.

The family will visit with friends Friday evening, July 6, 2012, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Edwards Funeral Home.