Billy Jack Boatman

Billy Jack Boatman, 85, of Sedalia, MO, passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia. On April 10, 1936, he was born in Waldo, AR, the son of Henry Jackson Boatman and Hazel Marie (West) Boatman, who preceded him in death.

On July 31, 1952, in North Carolina, he was united in marriage to Donna Lee Roush, who preceded him in death. In 1977, he was united in marriage to Judy Grace Finlay, who resides in the home.

Bill attended William Jewel college In Liberty, MO, but gained most of his knowledge from the Holy Bible and living out the Word of the Lord. Bill delivered the Gospel of Christ as a full-time minister and in his work and leisure. He did the Lord’s service in the community wherever he was directed. Bill was the hands and feet of Jesus while on this earth.

Bill lived in Texarkana, AR, until he was a teenager and then moved to Kansas City, MO, where he met and married Donna Lee Roush at the age of 18. He was called to the ministry in 1963, taking the family to Flat Creek Baptist Church in Smithton /Sedalia area. After the death of his wife, Bill married Judy Grace Finlay in 1977, and they moved to Dallas, TX, where they stayed until returning to Sedalia in 1997.

Bill was a self-taught sign painter and an extremely talented artist. He co-owned Sedalia Neon Sign Co with his best friend Bill Finlay for over ten years. In addition, he pastored Flat Creek Baptist Church from 1963 to 1978. After he married Judy, they moved to Dallas, TX, where he remained self-employed as a billboard artist, returning to Missouri and Flat Creek Church in 2012, where he was actively serving as full-time pastor at the time of his passing.

Bill was an avid softball player and a fantastic pitcher. In addition, he enjoyed taking his grandkids to sporting events and watching them play as well.

He is survived by two children, Brett Allan Boatman (Cindy), and Brenda Joy Corbett, all of Sedalia; five grandchildren, Kim Tanner (Donny), Kari Wright (Justin), Bryan Corbett (Krista), Jeremy Boatman, and Kevin Boatman; thirteen Great Grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Cathy Harrison (Noel); and a niece and nephew, Missi Pierce (Toby) and Mark Woolery.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Joe Dale Boatman and James Oliver Boatman and a great granddaughter, Madison Lee Wright.

A Memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 20, 2022, at Flat Creek Baptist Church, 30501 Carpenter Rd, Sedalia, MO 65301, with Brother Ron Jobe officiating.

A visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Saturday, February 19, 2022, at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia.

Burial will be at Flat Creek Cemetery at a later date.

Honorary pallbearers will be Great Grandchildren.

Family and friends may make memorial contributions to Flat Creek Baptist Church, 30501 Carpenter Rd, Sedalia, MO 65301.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.