Gerald Edward Boatright, 61, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 30, 2017 after a yearlong battle with Multiple Myeloma. He was born in Dallas, Texas, to Thurman and Manuela Rodriguez Boatright.

Gerald, commonly known as Jerry, was selfless, humble, optimistic, hardworking, kind, and an all-around family man. He lived focused on helping his friends, family, and others before himself. He loved his nieces and nephews as his own and took great joy in sharing their lives with them. One of the greatest accomplishments of Jerry's life was being a father. Through Boy Scout camp-outs, Baseball practices, Baseball games, and even the Police Explorers program, Jerry was an attentive, dedicated, and loving father.

As a young man, Jerry started his career in the Air Force where he proudly served as a medic; he loved helping people. After serving our country, Jerry worked various jobs, with the longest tenure being nearly three decades at the Coca-Cola Company . Shortly after joining Coca-Cola, Jerry met his sweetheart, Linda, who he was happily married to for over thirty-two years. They had one son together, Matthew, who he loved and proudly cheered for him through Police, Fire, and Paramedic graduations. Close to two and a half years ago, Matthew blessed Jerry and Linda with a grandson, Aiden Thomas, who was the absolute light of his life. They had an irreplaceable bond that will never be forgotten.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents: Thurman and Manuela Rodriguez Boatright, his brother Samuel Lee Boatright, and his Mother-In-Law Anna Ruth Chisholm.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of thirty-two years, Linda Sue Boatright of Red Oak, TX, son Matthew Chisholm Boatright, grandson Aiden Thomas Branham, his brother Harold Kenneth Boatright and his wife Pam Boatright, his sisters Carol Lynn Rogers and her husband Larry Rogers, and Barbara Jean Boatright, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Though those surviving Jerry do so with utterly broken hearts at the thought of living without Jerry on Earth, they are all comforted by knowing he will be care-free and painlessly enjoying Heaven reunited with those he loved so dearly.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 2, 2017, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Waxahachie Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be Monday, April 3, 2017, 2:00 PM at Waxahachie Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Ferris Memorial Park.