Wilson Boggan, 95, a resident of Saraland, Alabama, passed into eternity on December 14, 2013. Mr. Boggan was born November 23, 1918, in Bolling, Alabama, to Willie and Martha Pope Boggan. After finishing his education he moved from the farm to Prichard, Alabama, where he began a 38-year career with International Paper and met his future wife of 70 years, Julia Daniel Boggan.
In 1943, his new job and new marriage were interrupted by two years’ overseas service in WWII, with Company I, 350th Infantry, 88th Division, fighting with the “Blue Devils” in North Africa and Italy. Mr. Boggan brought home many medals of valor which he tucked away in a drawer with no explanation -- The Bronze Star for Valor; WWII Victory Medal; European African Middle Eastern Medal with Two Bronze Stars; the distinguished Combat Infantry Badge for outstanding fighting ability in combat; the Good Conduct Medal; and also earned the French Croix de Guerre for acts of heroism involving combat with the enemy. Many years later when the medals were found by his growing daughters, they asked to hear the stories of his valor. The only explanation ever provided was, " I received them for doing my job, nothing more. We don’t need medals in life for doing what we’re supposed to do – Simply perform every task to the best of your ability and that’s reward enough. ” And everyone who knew Mr. Boggan knew he lived his life by those very words.
He is survived by his wife, Julia, and four daughters -- Anita Scoper (Kenneth), Ellen Rooney (Phil), Mary Dove (Ricky), Martha Biggs (Wayne); 12 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; other relatives; and a loving church family and staff at First Baptist North Mobile. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and three sisters.
Visitation is Wednesday, December 18, at 10:00 a.m. with services following at 11:OO, at First Baptist North Mobile. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Mr. Boggan's name to First Baptist North Mobile for Missions or "Love Helps" to aid needy families in the North Mobile community.
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