Obituary
December 16, 2018 8:42 p.m.
Walter Junior Boatright, 60, of Callahan, Florida, peacefully went home to be with the Lord and his beloved Mama Jean and Papa Gene, Wednesday, December 12, 2018 surrounded by family.
Junior was born October 28, 1958 in Alma, Georgia. He moved to Callahan in 1969 and Nassau County was forever changed for the better. Junior was a proud graduate of West Nassau High School in 1976. While in school he met the love of his life Tonya Bunting. On November 4, 1977 he married Tonya and began a 41 year romance that was truly inspirational. Junior retired from Jacksonville Electrical Authority (JEA) with 31 years of dedicated service. Retirement did not last long as Junior was compelled to run and serve as Nassau County District 5 Commissioner for two successful terms (2008-2016). While serving as Commissioner, Junior had the innate ability to bring people together and make things happen. He was the epitome of a true public servant. Junior enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid sportsman. Most days Junior could be found surrounded by people laughing and telling his infamous Junior stories or jokes. He also enjoyed spending time with his boys and grandsons cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs.
Junior is survived by his beautiful wife Tonya, two handsome and intelligent sons Jeremy and Steven (Melanie)and two loquacious grandsons Brock and Cooper, siblings Mike Boatright, Jerry Boatright (Myra), Terri Riley, Jennifer Geiger (Russell), his favorite father and mother in-law Jack and Shirley Bunting, along with many brother & sister in-laws, nieces, nephews and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Boatright, Jean Williams and Thomas “Gene” Williams.
The family will receive friends on Monday, December 17th from 5:00-8:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Callahan. A celebration of Junior’s life will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 18th at First Baptist Church of Callahan with Pastor Keith Foskey officiating. Graveside service will follow at Jones Cemetery. Friends and family are invited and encouraged to gather following the graveside service at Cottonwood Ranch (452039 Old Dixie Hwy, Callahan, FL 32011) for lunch and a continued celebration of Junior’s life.
The family requests in lieu of flowers to register as an organ donor or make a monetary donation to Donate Florida Life.
Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest book at www.nassaufh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Nassau Funeral Home 541720 US Highway 1 Callahan, Florida 32011 904-879-1770.
Junior Boatright was the “Will Rogers” of Nassau County. Always an understanding friend, he epitomized the best in all of us.
Our prayers are with Commissioner Boatright’s family in this hour. He had a true heart for Nassau County and will be remembered as a champion for the citizens he sought to serve. Blessings.
Sincere condolences to the family, he was a wonderful guy. May the perpetual light shine upon him…….RIP “Junior”.