Gary Earl Boatner

A memorial visitation for Mr. Gary Boatner will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2020 from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home. Following the visitation, there will be a meal at First Baptist Church of Stonewall, where he was a member. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Boatner, age 61, of Meridian passed away on February 15, 2020 at his daughter’s residence.

During his early years, Gary loved to play pool and cruise up and down Meridian’s 8th street, in his Chevelle SS, to the Sonic Drive In. He loved going to concerts with his friends and listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Paul Lundy was Gary’s lifelong best friend. They lived a few houses away from each other when they were growing up and were inseparable. It was more like a brotherhood than a friendship.

Gary always had a job as far back as anyone could remember. Whether it was collecting bottles to recycle, cutting grass, or delivering papers, he kept himself busy. He entered the working world at 13 years old as a stock boy at Jitney Junior. Other jobs included working at the Ponderosa, Harden’s Bakery, the Coke Plant, and Offshore. His last job was at Magnolia Steel where he dedicated his last 28 years.

Gary was well known for his patriotism, hard work ethics, and love for his family, Tuxedo community and country. He loved the Saints, Ole Miss, Blue Angles and gardening. He was loyal, had a heart of gold, and had a very detailed memory. He was a friend to everyone and never met a stranger. Going north was one of his hobbies but never compared to being his grandkids biggest and loudest fan. He never missed an activity his grandchildren were involved in and made memories we will cherish for a lifetime. He was the best father and grandfather anyone could ask for. He will be missed dearly but we know we will see him again one day.

He is survived by his daughter, Candace Higgins (Duane); grandchildren, Hannah Higgins, Allie Mosley, Austin Higgins, and Avery Higgins; mother, Betty Miller; siblings, Robert Boatner (Liz), Daniel VanDeusen (Kyle), and Donald VanDeusen; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald VanDeusen; grandparents, Harold and Hazel Green; sister-in-law, Sandra VanDeusen; and several aunts and uncles.

In addition to flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Anderson’s Cancer Patient Benevolence Fund.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com.