Jerry Joe Boatman

Jerry Joe Boatman, 71, of Bradford, departed this life Friday, April 7, 2017 with family by his side. He was born May 25, 1945 in Keiser, Arkansas, a son of the late Bill and Mary (Layton) Boatman. Joe married Clara Eloise Piker on November 29, 1963. Together they had two children, eight grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. Joe worked for American Greetings from 1967 until the plant closed in 2003. He was a member of Bradford Baptist Church. He enjoyed rabbit hunting. His greatest enjoyment came from going camping with his family. Joe was a wonderful husband. He was the best husband anyone could ask for. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He loved his family and enjoyed every minute spent with them. Joe was an amazing man loved by everyone. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Mary (Layton) Boatman; four brothers, Eugene Berry, Jr. Berry, Willie Boatman, and Larry Boatman; one sister, Carol Tipton; and one granddaughter, Cheyenne Laire. He is survived by his loving wife, Clara Eloise (Piker) Boatman; two children, Jerry Boatman and wife Courtnie of Horeshoe Bend, and Shirl Winchester and husband Danny of Bradford; two brothers, Asa Boatman and wife Anita of Caraway, and Kenny Boatman and wife Kathy of McCroy; five sisters, Geneva Stallings of Jonesboro, Juanita Smith and husband Lee of California, Brenda Polston and husband Virgil , Susan Boone and husband Glenn, and Lois Northcut and husband John all of Caraway; nine grandchildren, Bradley Boatman(Krystal), Brandon Boatman, Chris Boatman(Jenny), Aaron Winchester (Mikala), Daniel Mavity, Hunter Laire, Jami Laire, and Tasha Cotton(Randell); twelve great grandchildren, Azlyn Boatman, Gannon Boatman, Raiden Boatman, Duncan Walls, John Medlock, Brooklyn Boatman, Anna Boatman, Bellamy Boatman, Bryan Cotton, Maddie Prickett, Grace Goad, and Cheyenne Mavity; a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 9, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Bradford Baptist Church. Service will be held Monday, April 10, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Bradford Baptist Church with Bro. Matt Grantham officiating. Interment to follow at Smith Cemetery in Bradford, Arkansas. Arrangements entrusted to Bradford Memorial Funeral Home of Bradford, Arkansas. www.bradfordmemorial.com

Jerry Joe Boatman

May 25, 1945 - April 7, 2017