William Leroy “Spider” Boling, 86, a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on March 27, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, surrounded by his family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 5-7:00 PM at Welch Funeral Home. Services will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Adaton Baptist Church, with visitation 1 hour prior. Reverend Hal Selby will officiate.
Leroy was born in Starkville, MS on September 2, 1938. He was married to the late Carolyn Greenlee on November 12, 1960.
He is survived by his daughters, Tina Lentz (Mark) and Myra Keasler (Michael), grandchildren, Austin Aultman (Amanda), Bailey Aultman, Jordan Keasler (Beverly), and Mallory Keasler (Alex Shealy), great-grandchildren Roslynn Aultman, Dinah Keasler, Ezra Keasler, and Stella Shealy, and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Oscar Boling, Sr., mother, Katherine Campbell Boling, brother, Thomas O. Boling, Jr., and an infant sister.
Leroy served our Nation in the Navy from 1955 – 1959 on board the USS Bon Homme Richard aircraft carrier. He continued his military service in the MS Army National Guard retiring in 1990 with over 27 years of combined service. While in the National Guard, he served in Company C, 155th Infantry of the 31st Dixie Division, HHC, 223rd Engineer Battalion, and HHB, 2-114th Field Artillery Battalion.
Leroy worked with Young Exploration Company for many years as an oil “doodlebugger” across the United States. After he and Carolyn moved back to Starkville, he worked as a mechanic at Starkville Tractor and Equipment Co., and Cole’s Auto Repair. He worked as an alarm, electrical, and HVAC Control Technician at the MSU Physical Plant, and retired with 25+ years of service. After retirement from MSU, he served his community as an Oktibbeha County Deputy Sherriff and Bailiff. He absolutely loved working as a Deputy Sheriff and a Bailiff.
Leroy was a Past Master of the Abert Masonic Lodge No. 89 in Starkville, MS, 32 Degree Mason, 32 Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and member of the York Rite Masons. He was a deacon at Adaton Baptist Church, Starkville.
Pallbearers are Austin Aultman, Jordan Keasler, Michael Keasler, Vic Latham, Mark Lentz, and Alex Shealy.
Honorary pallbearers are former and current Sheriffs, Deputies, and Jailers of the Oktibbeha County Sherriff’s Department and his Adaton Baptist Church Sunday School Class.
The family would like to send a special thanks to the 5th Floor and ICU Staff and Nurses of Baptist Memorial Hospital – Golden Triangle for the loving care and support.
Please make memorials to Adaton Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.
