Lorenzo Boatright

Mr. Lorenzo Boatright, age 86 of 5227 Niagra Drive, Chapel Hill, NC passed on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 at White Oak Manor, Burlington, NC.

Mr. Lorenzo Boatright was born on July 16, 1932 in Shaw, Mississippi. Lorenzo was the second of four sons born to Charlie Boatright and Julia Butler. He received his primary instruction in the public-school system in Shaw, Mississippi. As a young child, he developed a love for the serenity of country life on the farm. In the early 1940’s, he moved briefly to Memphis, Tennessee before returning to Mississippi. Eventually, Lorenzo moved to Pasadena California. There he continued his high school education on the campus of Pasadena City College.

Prior to his eighteenth birthday, Lorenzo enlisted in the United States Army. In just two short years of active duty, PFC, Lorenzo Boatright had earned several medals including the Army of Occupation Medal for his service in Japan and Korea, the United Nations Service Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Korean Service Medal and Bronze Service Star for his heroic service in the Korean War. Lorenzo continued to serve as a reservist in the Army National Guard and in 1954, he was promoted to Sergeant, Grade E-5.  As a veteran of the Vietnam War, he proudly served his nation with distinction as a platoon and squad leader. While in Vietnam, he earned additional medals including the Purple Heart and Silver Star. He served a total of twenty-six years in the military. Master Sergeant Lorenzo Boatright received an honorable discharge in 1977. He worked at the Marine Logistic Base in Barstow for another twenty years. During that time, he attended Barstow Community College and received an Associate of Arts Degree. He retired in 1992 from the Marine Base. After retiring, Lorenzo enjoyed working on his ranch in Hinkley, California.

Lorenzo was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years Mattie Boatright, brothers Charles and Luster Boatright.

His memories live on in the hearts of Beverly Tomlin, sons Cecil Essix, Steven Boatright, Brittiny, TJ, and Brooklyn, Roberts, grandchildren Joshua, Jason, Benjamin, Tauna, Kory, Tanika Boatright, Lamar Braxton, and Kyle Sarkis, great-grandchildren, Robert, Ella-Mae, and Roman Lorenzo Boatright. He is survived by his brother Eddie Boatright and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Arrangements By: Knotts Funeral Home - Chapel Hill