Gene Talmadge Boatright, age 86 of Alma passed away at Arbor Terrace in Jacksonville, Florida after an extended illness. He was a native of Bacon County born on October 17, 1933 to Lawton D. Boatright and Lottie Thornton Boatright Crapps. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a brother Fred Boatright.

Mr. Boatright served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict, a member of the American Legion and was past president of Arlington Optimist Club.He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Alma, he loved the Lord and his church family and was a Gideon.Gene was also an avid golfer and a very good fisherman.

Survivors include his wife, Lorene Hester Boatright of Alma, Georgia, children Michael Boatright (Shonda) of Vero Beach, FL., Tal Boatright, Blair Boatright (Rhonda) and Brenda Boatright of Jacksonville, FL., step children Jan Mitchell of Alma and Ricky Mithcell (Nissa) of Vidalia, GA., brother Edward Boatright of Alma, sisters June Strickland of Blackshear and LaFaye Cravey of Jacksonville, FL., seven grandchildren Melissa Howe, Greg Boatright, Brooke Boatright, Eric Boatright, Taylor Boatright, Axel Boatright and Christopher Boatright.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 2 ^nd at 2:00 PM at the Alma First Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Miles and Rev. Ron Sweatt officiating. Interment will follow in Wesley Chapel Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 12:00 PM until funeral time.

Active pallbearers will be; Danny Boatright, Ricky Mitchell, Coy Bowen, Ricky Gilliard, Eugene Dyal and Greg Boatright. All others in attendance will be considered honorary escorts.

Crosby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.