William C. Boatman Jr.'s Obituary
Mr. William Clay Boatman, Jr., age 86, of Rockford and formerly of Grandville Michigan , Spring Lake, Michigan and Naples, FL passed away Sunday, April 18, 2021. He was born August 9, 1934 in Cleveland, OH to William Clay , Sr and Emma (Jandt) Boatman. Clay attended Ohio Northern University and graduated in 1959 with a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering. While at Ohio Northern he met his wife of 58 years, Sandra (Soni) Leslie. They were married March 10, 1956. Clay spent a majority of his career working as an engineer for Reynolds Metals in Wyoming, MI. He was a 1947 winner of the Cleveland Soapbox derby and always proudly showed off his prize. He was a radio controlled airplane enthusiast who spent countless hours building, flying (and crashing) many planes. He also enjoyed sailing, fishing, and golfing. Most of all he enjoyed having his entire family together at the river where he and Soni hosted many memorable 4th of July celebrations. Clay and Sandra enjoyed wintering in Naples, Fl and spending time with the many friends they made there. He is survived by four children: Clay (Jan) Boatman, Scott (Kelly) Boatman, Leslie (Joe) Monahan, and Karen (Brian) Newberg; eleven grandchildren: Alexis, Emily, Bryn, Abigail, William, Joseph, Clay Andrew, John, Harrison, Henry, and Claire; two great- grandchildren: Olivia and Will. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn (Jim) Furry. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Linda Boatman. Visitation will be from 1-2 PM Friday, April 23, 2021 at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services followed by a private graveside service. Interment will take place in Spring Lake Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Clay may be given to the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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