Ancil Boatman, also affectionately known as Dad and Pa, went to his Heavenly home on May 9, 2021. His last moments were spent surrounded by the love of his life, Sherry, and his four children.
Ancil was born on June 5, 1952 in Texas City, Texas to Leon and Billie Boatman. He grew up in Santa Fe, Texas and was the youngest and only son of four children. He graduated from Santa Fe High School, where he made many lifelong friends, and then earned his bachelor’s degree in Agronomy from Stephen F. Austin University.
After college, Ancil went to work for Mobley Co., in Kilgore, Texas where he later became part owner of SSI Mobley, Inc. He met Sherry while she was working at Mobley Co., and they soon became inseparable. They were each other’s one true love, best friend, confidant, and soul mate. They married on October 20, 1979 and he instantly became husband and Dad. He always told people he hit the lottery when he married Sherry because it was a package deal.
From the moment he first became a father, his world revolved around the safety, well-being, and happiness of his family. He taught them responsibility, how to work hard, play hard and didn't mind whipping their tail when he thought they needed it! He would brag on them at every opportunity and was proud of the adults they became. Being Shelley, Kristi, Drew and Andrea’s father was the greatest honor of his life, and one he never took for granted. He was a wonderful father and role model.
There is nothing Ancil loved more than spending time with those he loved. He had a huge family and loved their Boatman holidays together laughing, telling jokes, playing 42 and drinking beer.
He and Sherry cherished the friendships they made over the years. They had more friends than we could count and were always off on one adventure or another. They spent many years at Lake Cherokee with friends boating, organizing lake fish fry’s, boat parades, and simply enjoying life. They loved spending time in South Fork, Colorado with their Colorado friends riding trails, exploring and having 5 o’clock cocktails and pot luck dinners. If you were lucky enough to be Ancil’s friend, you had a friend for life.
He leaves behind Sherry, his bride of 41 years, his oldest daughter Shelley Fulgium and her husband, Bert; daughter Kristi Mims and her husband, David; his son, Drew Boatman; his youngest daughter Andrea Smith and her husband, Bryan.
He also leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Peyton and Nash Fulgium, Braden and Brynlee Mims, Lauren, Walker and Ava Smith, who he adored and loved to brag on. He also leaves behind two sisters, Sybil Miller and Charlotte Frohnhoefer, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ancil is preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Billie Boatman, and his sister, Jerri Hendrix.
Though Ancil will be greatly missed, and thought of often, his memory and legacy will carry on through his family, children, and many friends whose lives were touched by such an amazing man.
A Life Celebration® funeral service for Ancil L. Boatman, will be held at 10 AM Saturday, May 22, 2021 in the chapel of Welch Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation from 5 PM - 7 PM Friday, May 21, 2021 in the Garden Court of Welch Funeral Home.
The livestream may be viewed on the day of the service by visiting www.cammackfamily.com . Viewers will need to have a facebook account to view the livestream.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. Donations can be made online at