Arthur Otto Boyanton Jr., a devoted Christian, husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away at home with his family around him. Art was born in Huntsville, AL in Merrimack Village. He attended Auburn University and graduated in 1954 with a degree in Textile Engineering. His work career began at Huntsville Manufacturing, moved to Thiokol Corporation, later went to work for the US Government, and eventually worked at NASA. He retired in 1987 and then furthered his career at McDonnell Douglas before his final retirement in 1993.
His true passion in life was the Gideons International and his desire to spread the Gospel of Christ through the distribution of Bibles.
Art was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and his son, Benjamin Lee Boyanton. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Betty “BJ” Boyanton; children, Kelli Jean Ellison and her husband, Greg, and Russell Arthur Boyanton and his wife, Nanette; Ben’s wife, Amy Boyanton of Chattanooga; granddaughter, Lindsey Ellison; five grandsons, Blake Boyanton, Garrett Ellison, Chandler Boyanton, Will Boyanton, and Wes Boyanton; and a host of nieces, nephews and dear friends. He will be dearly missed.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, August 22, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. Another visitation will be held from 11 to 12 noon Wednesday, August 23, at First Baptist Church, with the funeral to follow at the church. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Gideons International Huntsville South Camp, P. O. Box 14308, Huntsville, AL 35815-4308.
