Spessard Boatright

Spessard Boatright, age 83, entered eternal rest on April 6, 2024, in Tallahassee, Florida. He was born in Pine Mount (Suwannee County), Florida and grew up in McAlpin, FL. Spessard resided in Tallahassee since 1984. Spessard was the youngest child of Joseph Arch (Joe) Boatright and his wife, Susan Elizabeth (Starling) Boatright, and was welcomed into the world by a large and loving family of thirteen children (4 girls and 9 boys). He was raised on a family farm 13 miles from Live Oak. He was educated in the public schools in Live Oak, Florida, and never missed a day of school in all 12 years. He joined the Florida Army National Guard during his senior year of high school in March 1958, and went on to attend Army Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, SC, the following summer and attended Armor Basic Training at Ft. Knox, KY, the following fall. After completing his military training and before entering Junior College, he returned to help his father and brother on his family farm. In January 1960, he began his college career and enrolled in North Florida Junior College in Madison, FL. In the Spring 1961 he was selected to attend Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, GA., and was Commissioned a Second Lieutenant U. S. Army in June 1961. During the Spring 1962, he received his Associates of Art Degree from North Florida Junior College, and subsequently enrolled in Florida State University (FSU). He graduated from FSU in the Fall 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in education. Spessard began his career as an educator in 1965, teaching 6th and 7th grade Math and Science for 3 years in Suwannee and Palm Beach Counties. He left teaching to pursue his desire for a post-graduate education degree and enrolled in Florida Atlantic University, receiving his degree of Master of Education (MEd) in Education Administration and Supervisionin 1968. During his last trimester at FAU, he paused his schoolwork to return to Live Oak to seek the office of Superintendent of Schools in Suwannee County. He won the election with 62% of the vote on the first ballot, edging out his three opponents. When elected, he was 27 years old,and to date, is still the youngest person ever elected District School Superintendent in the State of Florida. Under his supervision, the Suwanee County School system was integrated, a step in the right direction that was guided by Spessard’s careful oversight, and the success of this endeavor was proof of his extraordinary leadership skills. While campaigning for the superintendents’ office, he met his beautiful and wonderful wife of 53 years, JoAnn Newton Kirkland, and they married on June 1, 1968. Spessard and JoAnn were active in their church, First Presbyterian, and became parents to daughters Rebecca in 1970 and Brenda in 1972. Following eight years as Superintendent of Schools, he served five years as Director of Office Services for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida. He also served one year with Dial Communications in Tallahassee, FL. For the next 25 years, he worked for the Florida Department of Education, retiring in 2010 as the Director, Office of Educational Facilities. Throughout his civilian career, Spessard continued to be very active in his military career. He concluded his career with the Florida Army National Guard in October 1997, retiring as a Brigadier General after serving his country for 39½ years. During his decades of service in the Guard, he held many staff and command jobs, including 20 years of command time at the Company, Battalion, Group, and Brigade levels. His last major active duty was Commander, 202 Medical Group in Jacksonville, FL. In this role, he deployed the Group to Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Storm / Desert Shield. During the deployment he commanded three 400-bed hospitals, one in the country of Oman, and two in United Arab Emirates. Spessard considered himself a lifelong learner and throughout his life enjoyed activities such technology, travel to over 60 countries, obtaining his private airplane pilot’s license, photography and genealogy. However, his most favorite activity was that of a beloved and active grandfather to his two grandsons, Cooper and Chandler Heath. He held a deep faith in his Heavenly Father and was a member of Thomasville Road Baptist Church for 40 years and enjoyed his Sunday School class and church family. Survivors include his two daughters Rebecca Boatright Heath and her husband Scott of Atlanta, Brenda Boatright of Atlanta, grandsons Cooper and Chandler Heath; brother Ronald Boatright and his wife Ingrid; brother-in-law Robert (Bobby) Newton, sisters-in-laws Sybil Newton, Annettee Boatright, Alice Boatright, along with many, many beloved nieces and nephews. On April 13, 2024, the family will receive family and friends at Bevis Funeral Home at 1pm, with funeral services to follow at 2pm. Burial will be at MeadowWood Memorial Park. Services will be streamed and available online at www.bevisfh.com. in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Big Ben Hospice of Tallahassee or Thomasville Road Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida. Dayne Parker of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Spessard Boatright

May 20, 1940 - April 6, 2024