Donel Fred Boatwright

Posted on January 22, 2020

Donel Fred Boatwright, 76, passed away on January 17, 2020, in Perry. Fred was born January 27, 1943, in Caraway, Ark., to Cecil Boatwright and Mary Lou Brassfield Boatwright.

Mr. Boatwright was a Christian of the Baptist faith. Most people would remember Fred mechanicing on automobiles. In his spare time Fred enjoyed fishing, spending time with his grandchildren and especially the great-grandchildren. He also enjoyed being outdoors, mowing the grass, fixing anything that needed fixing or fabricating a new “Fred” invention.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Mary Lou Boatwright, his brother Marion Franklin Boatwright, and his sisters Mary Evelyn Bell, Ima Jean Selph, and Ruby Louise Williams.

Mr. Boatwright is survived by his wife of 57 years Jean Boatwright; his children, Donel Fred Boatwright, Jr. (Keri), Connie Boatwright Ernst (Billy), Robert Nelson Boatwright (Karen), and David Lee Boatwright (Lisa); his brothers Cecil Boatwright and Gerald Boatwright; his sisters Opal Grace Freeman, Lois Boatwright Kidd, and Doris Ann Mesa; 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 25 at 2 p.m. at Blue Creek Baptist Church with Bro. David Beigle officiating. All arrangements are under the direction of Burns Funeral Home of Perry.

Friends may sign the online guest book at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com