Doc Benny Boswell, Jr.'s Obituary
Doc Benny Boswell, Jr. of Goose Creek, South Carolina, a devoted husband, father and US Navy veteran, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 12, 2024, at the age of 67. He was surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on November 4, 1956 to Betty J. Hudgins Burt and Doc Benny Boswell, Sr. Doc was a lifelong pillar of faith in the Baptist community. After graduating from Howard High School in 1974, he proudly served his country for twenty years in the United States Navy, retiring as a Petty Officer Second Class (ESWS). It was during his Charleston Naval Base assignment that he met and married the love of his life, Mary Barnwell Boswell in 1983. Together, they built a loving family, raising three children: a daughter Sonya and their two sons, Brandon and Bradley, while traveling across the country enjoying life as a military family. Doc was a man of diverse interests. He enjoyed bowling, relaxing at home and engaging with the community; often seen selling T-shirts at local markets. His infectious laughter and love for music filled his home. A skilled basketball referee, Doc officiated both military and little league games. Shortly after Doc’s return to South Carolina, he began a fulfilling second career at Smoak’s Comfort Control, where he worked until his retirement in 2023. He formed lasting bonds with his coworkers, becoming a beloved member of their team. He was also a member of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church of North Charleston, SC. He was preceded in death by: his mother, Betty Jean Burt; father, Doc Boswell, Sr.; brother, Robert Hudgins; sister, Carmen Hudgins; sister-in-law, Jemeta Barnwell; grandparents, George W. Hudgins and Rosa Lee Hudgins; aunts, Mary McCollum, Ruby Lee Hudgins and Bernice Bruell; uncles, George E. Hudgins, Sr. and Willie J. Hudgins. Doc leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He is survived by his devoted wife of 41 years, Mary B. Boswell; his children, Sonya Welles (Bakari) of Loganville, GA, Brandon Boswell of Goose Creek, SC and Bradley Boswell (Britne) of Columbia, SC; grandsons, Keegan and Kruz Welles; siblings, Regina Hughes, Neccie Miller, Jackie Phillips (Kenneth), William Hudgins, Thomas Hudgins (Gwen), Ronnie Hudgins, Kenny Hudgins and Leon Hudgins (Joyce) all of Chattanooga, TN and Harry Boswell, Sr. (Lillie) of Arizona; mother-in-law, Lucille Barnwell; brothers-in-law, Johnny Barnwell, Larry Barnwell (Mary), Kenneth Barnwell (Dorothy), Luke Barnwell (Mariam), Frank Barnwell, Robert Barnwell (Verchelle) and Shawn Reid; sisters-in-law, Zenia Holmes and Benita Barnwell; a “special cousin”, Albert McCollum (Pauletta); aunts, Joanne Mills and Robbie Felton; uncles, James Thomas Hudgins (Peggy) and Leon Hudgins (Julia); and a host of other relatives and friends. Doc leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and inspiration. While we mourn our loss, we find solace in the beautiful memories we share. Doc’s spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, August 19, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 7396 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC. Viewing will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2024, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, please make donations to the American Cancer Society in memory of Mr. Doc Boswell. He will lie-in-state on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
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