Dr. John Thomas Boutwell

Dr. John Thomas Boutwell, 92, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 17, 2022. John was born on October 10, 1930, to the late Hiram Bert Boutwell, Sr. and Elizabeth Harris Boutwell. The youngest of two brothers, John grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where he attended and graduated from West End High School; he also served as president of his graduating class. John served a short time in the Navy before attending and graduating from Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. After graduating from Palmer, he moved to Albany, Georgia to work in the office of his uncle, Dr. William Harris for two years. It was there that he met Mary Ella Phelps, the girl he would marry on March 10, 1954. John and Mary then moved to Augusta, Georgia, and he established his practice at 1916 Walton Way, where he served patients at this location for 40 years. In addition to serving patients, he was very involved in supporting his profession. He served a term as President of the Georgia Chiropractic Association. He also served on the board of Life University in Atlanta, Georgia. In his working career, he had other business interests as well, which involved his giving of his time, energy, and effort to care for and mentor many others.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, and mentor, John loved and cared for others well. He was passionate about Jesus, learning about Him and then sharing His love with others. As one of his great-nephews said, “He was an amazing man and maybe the first person that I can say I knew who had a living relationship with Jesus, which was much more than just knowledge, and it impacted his entire life and the way he treated each person.” John was also very involved in church; throughout his time in Augusta, he attended One-Way Baptist, Kiokee Baptist, and West Acres Baptist. Even when he was out of town for conferences and speaking engagements, he would make a point to find a church to worship at on Sunday morning. Furthermore, he was a giving, kind gentleman. He gave of his monies, resources, and time; he was an amazing example and invested in many people. His family and friends could depend on him for love, help, support, and guidance.

John had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed making people laugh. He appreciated Tuesday night tennis matches with Dr. Jack Carter, Sr., the late Robert Pollard, Sr., and Dr. Carl Tulley. John loved flying airplanes as well. He became a pilot at 25; he went on to fly for over 40 years, owning several planes. His last and favorite was a V-Tail Beachcraft Bonanza.

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his brother, Dr. Hiram Bertram Boutwell, and his granddaughter, Mary Louise Boutwell. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Ella Phelps Boutwell, of Evans, Georgia. John is also survived by his sons, Dr. Darrell (Carol) Boutwell and Dr. Randall (Traci) Boutwell, all of Augusta, Georgia; his daughter Kim (Dr. Bill) Goss of Appling, Georgia; his grandchildren Ben Goss, Chris Goss, Abbie-Leigh (Austin) Shively, Jessica (Taylor) Davis, Kaitlyn (Ben) Gossard, and Clark Boutwell; his great-grandchildren Jackson, Tabb, and Brighton Davis; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces. The family would like to thank Doug and Elander Jones, Helen Willingham, Dot Parks, Marvalyn St. Ville, and Sherri Stinson with the rest of the staff from Hospice Services of Georgia for their wonderful care of John the last years of his life.

A private graveside service will be held in Westover Memorial Park. This will be followed by a memorial service Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 11 am at First Presbyterian Church officiated by Reverend John Franks. A reception in St. Andrews Hall will be held at the church following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Young Life Ministry in Augusta, Georgia or Prodigal Ministries of Augusta.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com