Clifford Boatright, age 74, of Morrilton, Arkansas passed away September 6, 2012. He was born February 21, 1938 in Mounds, Oklahoma. He grew up at the Southern Christian Home from the time he was 5 years of age until he graduated from Morrilton High School. During school he played football and basketball as well as played a role in the junior and senior plays. After high school Cliff attended Harding University, where he graduated with a teaching degree in math and science. Between his junior and senior years, he married his wife, Patricia Ann Henson.
After leaving Harding, he taught math and coached basketball for 8 years. He was principal of England High School for 7 years and superintendent of 4 different schools for the next 20 years.
While Cliff continued his education, earning his Master’s degree from UCA and an Educational Specialist Degree from the University of Arkansas; he and his wife had three children. During this time, Cliff was a part-time soldier in the National Guard and Army Reserve. He graduated from the Arkansas Military Academy in 1963 and spent a total of 36 years in the Military retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served as Platoon Leader, Battalion Motor Officer, Battalion Personnel Officer and Commander of the 739 Ordinance Detachment and was awarded a medal for Meritorious Service.
Survivors include his wife Patricia; three children: Stephen Boatright of Little Rock, Beverly Ivey of Denton Texas, and Donna Sparks of Moore, Oklahoma; and six grandchildren: Christopher and Lauren Boatright, Katherine and Ben Ivey, and Katie and Brad Sparks.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, September 10 at the Harris Chapel. Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Morrilton Southern Christian Home. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net
