Avis Leon Boatman

Funeral Services for Mr. Avis Leon Boatman, 83, of Jacksonville will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 2007, at Thompson Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with Rev. Larry Smith officiating.

Leon passed peacefully from this life on Monday, May 7, 2007, at his home. He was a resident of Santa Fe, Texas, for 30 years before making his home at the historic Terry family homestead in Jacksonville for the past 25 years.

Born on April 28, 1924, in New Summerfield, Leon enjoyed his family, hunting and fishing and was an avid herdsman and breeder of cattle for many years. One of his favorite pastimes was playing ‘42’ with friends and relatives.

Leon retired from Monsanto Chemical Company as a Chemical Plant operator in Texas City after 30 years of service. He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Corine, Texas.

Leon was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Terry Boatman. Survivors include son Ancil Boatman and wife Sherry of Henderson, Texas; daughters Sybil Miller of Santa Fe, Texas, Jerri Hendrix and husband Rex of Leona, Texas and Charlotte Frohnhoefer and husband Tony of Daphne, Ala.; sister Pansy Caldwell and husband R.M. of Quitman, Texas and companion Hazel Henry of Jacksonville. Grandpa was adored by 11 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will include grandsons Will Miller of Florence, Texas, Doug Hendrix of Sugarland, Texas, and Andrew Boatman of Austin, Texas; great-grandson John Fenn of Houston, Texas; and nephews J.D. Smith of Jacksonville, Texas and Kenneth Boatman of Santa Fe, Texas.

Visitation will be from 7-9 p.m. Friday, May 11, 2007, at Thompson Funeral Home in Jacksonville.

Following the funeral services at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, internment will be held at Corine Cemetery in Jacksonville.

Donations may be made to Friendship Baptist Church or the Corine Cemetery Fund at 6051 C.R. 3305, Jacksonville, TX 75766.
 

Information from The Jacksonville Daily Progress