Clive "Jack" Boggan

Clive Otis (Jack) Boggan, age 103, transitioned to his heavenly home on January 10, 2024, into the waiting arms of family, friends and our Lord and Savior. Jack had many names…Clive, Jack, Mr. Boggan, Daddy, Jack Daddy, Poppa Jack and Daddy Jack. He was loved, adored and respected by all who knew him.

He was a loving and caring man who touched the lives of everyone he met. He was known for his ready smile, his patience, generosity, vast knowledge and phenomenal memory. Jack was a quiet man with a quick wit and gentle presence. He loved and served his Lord and Savior. He was the oldest member of ELUMC. He held various offices in his Sunday School class as well as serving in many capacities at and for the church.

He was a devoted husband and amazing father. He had many children who loved him and adopted as their own. He cherished his grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and great great grandchildren. His legacy is one of outstanding morals, incredible character and unconditional love.

During his lifetime he was an active member of the Lions Club, his church as well as numerous other civic organizations. He and his wife worked with the outreach program for the city’s youth, receiving an award for their outstanding work. Jack was a leader for the Boys Scouts, influencing many young lives. He and Alma helped care for children from the Mercy Home (Gateway), the Boys’ Industrial School, the Children’s Home in Selma as well as opening his home to many foreign students and families.

He was the only child born to Willie Belle Byrd and John Arch Boggan, in Greenville, Alabama, on June 27, 1920. When Jack was only three years old, a train accident took the life of his father. Jack spent most of his young days in Bolling, Alabama, in Butler County. He studied by oil lamp because they had no electricity. He attended a one room school. When he was seven, his mother married Ellie Hugh Day. Jack loved the woods and creeks and the country life. He always had his slingshot with him and was so proficient, he could shoot a bird in flight or a rabbit at a full run…with one shot. He milked cows, picked cotton and plowed with a mule. When the depression hit, the government had the cotton farmers turn their fields under. He then trained mules, horses, goats and bulls. At age 15, he moved to Birmingham to live with relatives and friends. He attended Woodlawn High School. There were days that he rode his bicycle from West End to Woodlawn for school. While in high school, he made many friends but two lifelong friends, Elwell Thomas and Jack Church. They remained friends the rest of their lives. Jack bought his first house and car while in high school. He knew the value of hard work. After high school, he went to Nashville to Aircraft School. He then completed an associate degree at Davidson College and worked for an aircraft company in Baltimore. Jack continued his training in the Army Air Corps hoping to become a pilot. At the time of WWll, most of the applicants were for pilot training so Jack became a flight engineer on a B-29 bomber. He was a WWll veteran. He was honorably discharged in1944 as a Second Lieutenant Flight Officer. He loved his country and was very proud to be an American and part of the greatest generation.

On July 17, 1946, he married the love of his life, Alma Leolyn Thomas. They wed at Woodlawn Methodist Church. Being an only child, Jack was very anxious to start a family. They had three children, John, Nancy and Chuck, each 3 years apart.

In 1947, Jack opened his own business, Boggan Carpet Installaton. It remained open until 2001. His hard work ethic, dedication, integrity and expertise were greatly admired and appreciated by his colleagues and all his many employees. His employees became family.

In his free time, Jack loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed spending time at his farm where he and his family raised horses, dogs and goats. He loved all the animals but especially the horses. He cherished his time at his beach home where he and Alma loved every moment they could spend there. He found solace and joy in these hobbies throughout his lifetime.

Jack is survived by his adoring and much-loved wife, Alma. They have been married 77 wonderful years. He is also survived by his children, John(Rachel) Boggan, Nancy(Dwight) Anderson, Chuck(Joyce) Boggan. His grandchildren, Jeff Anderson, Shawn Boggan, Alan(Jennifer)Anderson, Carlene(Jack)Worth, Charly(Chris) Murphree, and Austin(Elise) Anderson.

Greatgrandchildren, Kara(Michael)Moran, Randy(Halie)Turner, Kaleigh Murphree, Nadine(Jesse)Popee, Jack Carlton Boggan, Hollis Geeslin, Colt Murphree, Skylar Anderson, and Clive and Eva Anderson. Jack has six great great grandchildren and a host of much loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Neighbors and caregivers have all become family. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing, loving and caring for him.

A visitation for Clive will be held Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at East Lake United Methodist Church, 7753 1st Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35206, followed by a celebration of life at 1:00 PM.