Reverend Billy Joe Boggs, 91, formerly of Roanoke, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, at his home in Winston-Salem, N.C., surrounded by his family.
Billy Joe was born on August 12, 1934, in Second Creek, W.Va., to Marshall and Mary Boggs, one of 17 children. Reverend Boggs’ journey of faith began early in life, leading him to Holmes Bible College in Greenville, S.C., where he graduated in 1956. He also did Graduate Studies at Eastern Mennonite College. He lived a life of profound faith and dedication, marked by his unwavering commitment to his Lord and Savior and his deep love for his family. He battled Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s with courage and grace for 14 years, serving as an inspiring testament to his enduring spirit and resilience.
For 43 plus years, Reverend Boggs tirelessly served as a pastor and evangelist, retiring in 1999. His pastoral journey took him to numerous communities across West Virginia (Second Creek, Organ Cave) and the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia (Roanoke, Bedford, Harrisonburg, Winchester) and his last pastorate in Fries, Va., as he shared the Good News of the Gospel with unwavering devotion. While pastoring, he drove a school bus for over 40 years and was also a postal carrier, and an EMS volunteer.
Billy Joe leaves behind a legacy of love and faith through his five children, Pamela Boggs Stewart and husband Mike of Dunn, N.C.; Susan Boggs Cleary of Floyd, Va.; Mark Boggs and wife Clara of Troutville;, Kimberly Falkenberry and husband, Meadows of Santa Rose Beach, Fla.; and Karin Boggs Kirby of Winston-Salem, N.C.; eight grandchildren, Jacob Carpenter and wife, Stacey of Winchester, Va.; Zachary Carpenter and Melissa of Abingdon, Va.; Justin Stewart of West Covina, Calif.; Joshua Stewart and Carley of Hampstead, N.C.; Jonathan Boggs of Troutville; Zachary Hart of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; Scott Huettner and wife Shannon of Pensacola, Fla.; and Jaimie DeClement and her husband, Jake of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, Bailey and Raegan Carpenter, Isaiah and Caleb Carpenter, and Peyton Ewing, Paris Hart, Kori DeClement and Elijah Huettner.
Billy has five surviving siblings– Phyllis Scruggs of Roanoke; Juanita Jewell of Verona, Va.; Isabelle Fogus of Pulaski, Va.; Mary Marshall Pence of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; and one brother, Clayton Boggs of Roanoke.
Billy Joe was proceeded in death by his parents, Marshall and Mary Boggs, 11 of his 16 siblings, and his wife of 59 years, Betty Jo Boggs.
The Boggs family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Trellis Supportive Care-Winston-Salem, N.C., for their compassionate care during Billy Joe’s final days. They also wish to express their deep appreciation to Reggie Greenleaf, Tandy Jackson, Paula Fightmaster, Barbara Lemmons, and Michele Jett Brown whose dedication and loving care provided comfort and support.
A service to celebrate life will be held at Botetourt Funeral Home, 14920 Lee Hwy, Buchanan, on Saturday, June 25, 2026, at 1 p.m. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The interment will be at Old Dominion Memorial Gardens, 7271 Cloverdale Road, Roanoke, following the service.
Reverend Billy Joe Boggs (Dad, Poppy, & Papa) will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his compassionate heart, and his unwavering dedication to his faith and family. His life was a testament to the power of love and service, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. In his honor, Share the Gospel with everyone you meet. John 3:16
