One of the greatest of "the greatest generation" , Harry Boggs, died peacefully at home on March 17, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Boggs, Sr. and Nettie Jones Boggs, one brother, John Boggs, Jr., five sisters, Alice Roberts, Bessie Quickel, Della Quickel, Ellen Quickel, Carol Quickel Toepfer, and son-in-law, "Gov" Webb. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Esther "K.D." Boggs, his son Greg Boggs (Paulette), his daughter Gail Webb, granddaughter, Esther Rainey (Andy) and their children Will, Matt, and Elizabeth, granddaughter Marie Robinette (Rob) and their children, Robbie and Brenley, grandson John A. Smyth (Leigh Ann) and their children, Mary Katherine and Hunter, Jennifer Reale and her children, Gregory, Grayson, and Gabrielle Gladden, grandson Greg Smyth (Tiffany), granddaughter Carol Pippin (Cole) and their daughter, Jordan.
Harry was born in Richwood, W. Va on July 9, 1924. The family moved to the Panama City area in 1930 where Harry very quickly formed a lifetime love of fishing and boating in the beautiful waters of Bay County. He attended Panama Grammar, was a member of the first class of Cove Elementary School, and graduated from Bay High School. He proudly joined the U. S. Navy during W. W. II and after leaving the Navy he attended the University of Alabama on the G I Bill. Harry's work ethics were exemplary. He worked for International Paper Company in Panama City for several years, left there for Irving Paper in New Brunswick, Canada, and returned to the construction division of I P Company traveling to Cali, Columbia, the Philippines, Oregon and most of the southern United States. His faith in God shaped his relationship with family and others. At Panama City First Methodist Church he enjoyed working (and playing) with the youth group, teaching Sunday School, and with Winnie Blue sponsoring many outings and retreats. In the Philippines, he and K. D. joined a small protestant church and Harry took the responsibility of building a larger church for them. After retirement he and K. D. joined Lynn Haven Methodist Church where he planned to keep a low profile. However, God had other plans for him. He served as chairman of the Pastor – Parish Committee, Church School Superintendent, taught Adult Sunday School, was active in the Hardly Able Group and along with Grafton Sharp, cooked monthly dinners for Methodist Men and enjoyed cooking for their fund raisers. He loved catching fish and having fish fries for family and friends. He became well known for his fabulous hush puppies. Harry was generous, optimistic, unprejudiced, and always willing to help others in any way. Although he loved fishing, his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and friends. He had a loving wife, and he was proud and thankful of his two children, six grandchildren, and their spouses, and eleven great grandchildren.
Active pallbearers are his five great grandsons and his "son" Pat Revell. Honorary pallbearers are the Friendship Class and Lively Stones Class. The family wishes to thank Emerald Coast Hospice for their compassionate care, and Pat Garrett, Kenny Bostick, Janice and Larry Villars for their support and prayers during his final days.
A celebration of Harry's life will begin at 1:30 P.M., Saturday, March 21 with visitation one hour previous at Lynn Haven United Methodist Church with Dr. Jim Luther officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorial donations to the Lynn Haven United Methodist Church, 4501 Transmitter Road, Panama City, FL 32404 in memory of Harry Boggs.