William Barrett "Barry" Boettcher

Sumter, S.C……William Barrett “Barry” Boettcher age 76, beloved husband of 50 years to Ela M. Boettcher died on Friday, June 14th, 2024 at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. Survivors also include his sons, William “Robert” Boettcher and John Mier Boettcher, his brother, John “Tommy” Boettcher, his grandson, Barrett James Boettcher born to Crystal Boettcher (Robert’s wife), his cousins Jean Childers and Dale Redding.

 Barry struggled with his health since late February and he knew he didn’t have much time left on earth, but he fought for his life and health so he could meet his only grandson due in April.  His grandson was born in April, and he met, held and kissed his grandson on 4/26 outside White Oak Manor in Newberry, SC.  He celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary a couple of weeks ago at home in Sumter with Ela, John M., Robert, Crystal, Baby Barrett and Tommy.  His health took a turn for the worse shortly after this celebration.  He passed peacefully at Tuomey as he was in hospice the last several days of his amazing life.

 Barry was born in Hickory, NC to William “Bill” E. Boettcher and Mary Barrett Boettcher (f.k.a. Mary Barrett). His brother John Thomas (known to the family as “Tommy”) was born a few years later.  When Barry was 5 years old Bill and Mary moved the family to Sumter.  Barry graduated from Edmund High School in 1966.  In 1967 he enlisted in the Air Force and served 4 years and 29 days.  He completed his service to his country while he was on the island of Crete as a Radio Intercept Analyst with Top Secret clearance.  He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sargant when his duties were completed in 1971.  After being discharged, he met a young Cuban woman named Ela (also known as “Elita” to friends and family.)  He fell in love as he they dated a few years and were wed in 1974 at Saint Anne’s Catholic Church.  He earned his Associate’s degree in Business and joined the civilian work force.  He started working for Pitney Bowes as a Customer Service Representative in the late seventies where he was a loyal employee for almost 3 decades as he supported his family.  Shortly after joining Pitney Bowes, his son, William Robert was born and then John Mier was born less than 2 years later.  Barry and Ela raised both of their sons in a quiet suburb in Sumter with friendly caring neighbors (including all their grandparents).  Barry and Ela enrolled their children at St Anne’s for elementary school and St. Jude’s for high school. They taught their sons the golden rule and Christian values.  These were also enforced by their grandparents who they visited often as Barry and Ela valued family above all.  Their sons attended and graduated college and received their degrees and became productive members of society all thanks to the sacrifices Barry and Ela made and time they spent with their children. 

 Barry and Ela loved each other with all of their hearts.  They also loved their family with all of their hearts. They weathered the ups and downs of life together until death they did part because these vows were sacred and meant everything to both of them.  Ela is heartbroken with the loss of the love of her life, but she takes solace in knowing he is in a better place.

 Barry believed in the American dream.  He believed in working hard, providing for his family, and enjoying life with his family including his sons’ sporting events, family vacations to the lake, Myrtle Beach, Carowinds and all the familiar American family destinations.  Barry loved riding motorcycles, auto racing and classic cars. He was too humble to realize that he was the finest example of an American Classic because of the man that he was.  He was a true patriot who would and did do anything for his family, his friends and his country.  His love was not limited to his fellow Americans.  He loved all people and people loved him.  He treated people equally regardless of nationality, ethnicity, religion, or status.  In his senior years he resembled Saint Nick in his look, his twinkle in his bright blue eyes, and how he spread joy and good-will to others including those he just met.  Anyone who has had the pleasure of crossing paths with him should feel truly blessed.  Thank God for the American Dream.  Thank God for the decades with Barry.  He made the world a better place and now he is in a better place.  Praise God!

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 pm at Bullock Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 10:00 am in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel.  The interment will follow the service at 1:00 pm in the Suncrest Cemetery in Monroe, NC.

You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book.

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.

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