James Earl Boatright, 92

James Earl “Pete” Boatright, age 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 23, 2025. Speaking at his grandfather’s funeral service was Charles “Barrett” Merrill IV.

Pallbearers were his grandsons, Christian Marsh Merrill, Mason Daniel Russell and Jonathan Stewart Michael; nephews, Sammy Joe Peacock and Corbin Michael Williams; and faithful friends, Robert Allen, Willie Brown, Asa Garrett, Corky Lanier and Sandy Shepherd. Honorary Pallbearers were members of the Veterans at the Library, Trustees of Bishop’s Chapel, American Legion Post 103 and Swainsboro Sheriff’s Department.

Pete was born June 2, 1932, and raised in Canoochee. He helped his parents run their small grocery store and later delivered milk and ice on an ice truck route. Pete learned much from his parents growing up on how to take what little you had and build upon it, while never making excuses or taking advantage of others. His strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Custom Furniture Company in 1962 with his dear friend, Harold Flanders. They successfully ran the business for 43 years before selling it to Asa and Bert Garrett. Pete was deeply honored to serve his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict in 1952.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and community leader, Pete lived a life defined by faith, love, and service. He married the love of his life, Josephine Peebles, on Christmas Day 1954, and they shared 65 wonderful years together until Josephine’s death in 2020. Their love story is simply beautiful and inspiring. Through all of life’s trials and victories, they held hands, trusted God’s provision and modeled for their children, grandchildren and friends what a love story looks like.

Pete had a passion for growing vegetables, fishing with his daughters, making homemade cane syrup and ice cream and painting with oil and watercolors. He loved flying his Cessna 172 airplane and shared stories of his many adventures in the skies. After retiring, Pete and Josephine embraced life on the road, traveling across the country in their RV, making memories with friends and their grandchildren.

Pete loved the Lord, had a strong faith and shared many times that God provided yet another miracle in his life. He loved the church and had the privilege of serving three churches in his lifetime, Bishop’s Chapel, Hawhammock Baptist Church, Swainsboro First Baptist Church.

Pete was a pillar of the Swainsboro community, believing that positive change required active participation. He served as Chairman of Trustees at David Emanuel Academy; Chairman of the Emanuel County Hospital Authority; State Board of The Georgia Home Furnishings Association where he received the President’s Award; Chairman and Director of the Swainsboro Chamber of Commerce; President of the Downtown Merchant Association; Member & Director of both the Jaycees and the Lyons Club. Mr. Boatright is preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Gladys Bishop Boatright; two brothers, Rudolph Boatright and W.S. Boatright; and sister, Mae Jean Boatright Moore.

Survivors include two daughters, Angelia Williams (Joe) of Swainsboro and Robin Merrill (Chad) of Atlanta; grandchildren, Meredith Michael (Jonathan) and baby daughter Charolette Josephine of Smyrna, Mason Russell (Kayleigh McVey) of Swainsboro, Barrett Merrill (Samantha) and son Levi of Stone Mountain; and Christian Merrill (Chandler Kate) of Atlanta.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Veterans at the Library, PO Box 323, Swainsboro, GA 30401 or Bishop’s Chapel, c/o Barbara Stokes, 717 Ehlrich Farm Road, Swainsboro, GA 30401.

Arrangements by Tomlinson Funeral Home and Crematory of Swainsboro.