Robert Joseph Boatwright

Robert Joseph Boatwright of Bristol, VA, age 86, passed away on Friday, November 28th, 2025, at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem, VA.

Bob was born March 2, 1939, in Jonesville, VA to the late Alma (Browning) and James C. Boatwright.

 He was preceded in death by his son, James Scott Boatwright, his son-in-law, Burns Cooper, sister Norma (Boatwright) Willis, and his beloved uncle, Charles L. Boatwright.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joy (Owens) Boatwright and daughter, Sandra Leigh Boatwright.

Bob was a graduate of Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Biology. He retired after a career as a microbiologist and lab manager for the Southwest Virginia State Health Laboratory in Abingdon. He also farmed family land for most of his life, raising beef cattle, hay, corn, and tobacco.

Bob was an Army veteran (1960 - 1962) and a life member of the Washington County Life Saving Crew, serving for 50 years. He cherished that community and their work in the local area. He was a charter member of Pleasant View United Methodist Church in Abingdon, VA, where he served in many capacities. He enjoyed ushering and teaching Sunday School. He later became a member of Wallace United Methodist Church, Bristol, VA, where he was part of a loving and active church family.

Bob was thoughtful and curious about everything. He was a beekeeper and a tinkerer. He collected cast iron, canes, oil lamps, and anything else that seemed useful or interesting. He was a recycler before recycling was cool.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday December 3, 2025 from 1PM until 2PM in the Frost Funeral Home Chapel with a funeral service at 2PM with Pastor Carolyn Kidd officiating. A private internment will be held following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following:

Washington County Life Saving Crew, 237 Park Street SE, Abingdon, VA 24201,

Wallace United Methodist Church, 13141 Wallace Pike, Bristol, VA 24210, 

Bishop Ministry Initiative, c/o Clinch Mountain District United Methodist Church, PO Box 263 Abingdon, VA 24212

Pallbearers will be members of the Washington County Life Saving Crew.

Honorary pallbearers are cousins John Boatwright, Joseph Boatwright, Paul Clendenen, and friends Mike Wilkinson, Guy Warner, and Charlie Owens.

Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored to serve the family of Robert Boatwright.

Livestream can be viewed via link: Frost Funeral Home LLC | Abingdon VA | Facebook