Joe Bernice Boatright

Mr. Joe Bernice Boatright, Jr., 89, of Blackshear, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, October 11, 2025, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House.

Born in Mershon, Georgia, on March 6, 1936, Mr. Boatright was a lifelong resident of Pierce County. He was a graduate of Patterson High School and proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves. Following his service, he attended South Georgia College before beginning a long and dedicated career with Rayonier in Jesup, where he retired as Superintendent after 35 years of service. A true outdoorsman, Mr. Boatright was an avid gun collector who enjoyed skeet shooting as well as quail and dove hunting. He also loved cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves. Known for his love of fellowship, he especially enjoyed hosting fish fries for family and friends. In his younger years, he found joy in riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Mr. Boatright was a member of First Baptist Church in Blackshear.

He was the son of the late Joe Bernice and Gertie Irene White Boatright. He was also preceded in death by two daughters, Rose Ann Thornton and Shari Henderson.

Survivors include his daughter, Abby Boatright Walker of Blackshear; four grandchildren, James Allen “Skipper” Davis III, Jody (DeAnna) Thornton, Hannah (Doug) Boatright, and Payton Walker; four great-grandchildren, Jecht, Freya, and Jax Thornton, and Kaley Brooke Boatright; special friends, Allen, Amber, Harley, and Avery Turner of Baxley; along with several other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday afternoon, October 15, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Steve Boatright officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow in Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Bacon County.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), as Mr. Boatright was a devoted supporter of their work, particularly their care for children in our community, including Miss Amris Bedford.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Brent Waters and the staff of Hospice Satilla and Hospice Satilla Hospice House for their exceptional care and compassion.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Boatright family during this time.

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