Norman "Pete" Royce Boggess

Norman Royce Boggess "Pete", 90, peacefully passed away on October 27th, 2023 at The Veterans Center in Hanson, KY.
Norman was born January 12, 1933 in Ennis, KY to the late Walter F. and Erma Galloway Boggess. He grew up in Madisonville after his family moved from Muhlenberg County. Norman graduated from Madisonville High School and the University of Kentucky where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After graduation from UK in 1954, Norman joined the U.S. Air Force where he was a pilot and a reservist. Upon completion of his military service, he returned to Madisonville to work at his family's business, Boggess Chevrolet. In 1961 he moved to Calhoun, KY and became owner/operator of Norman Boggess Chevrolet. Norman was a member of Calhoun Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Sunday school teacher, as well as on various committees. He was also active in Jaycee's, Lion's Club and Kiwanis. In 1983 he returned to Madisonville after purchasing the family dealership and Norman Boggess Chevrolet continued providing sales and service to the community until his retirement in 2004. Through his years as an auto dealer he was very involved with the Kentucky Auto Dealers Association (KADA) and served as KADA President in 1981. Norman was an active member of Kiwanis in Madisonville, as well.
Norman enjoyed people most of all, having never met a stranger. He made many lifelong friends along his way. Norman was always supportive in his children's and grandchildren's pursuits and provided a listening ear when needed. He was always ready for an adventure or a good road trip. Through the years he played many rounds of golf and hands of bridge. He enjoyed working in the yard and would often be seen on his John Deere mower wearing his straw hat. Norman remained involved with his business interests up until right before his death.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years Eloise Edwards Boggess "Weezie", two brothers Wilbur Boggess and Horace Boggess.
He is survived by his wife of 12 years, Sharon, three children; Diane (Van) Lightfoot, Lexington, KY; Ruth (Jimmy) Willett, Bardstown, KY; Stephen (Julie) Boggess, Louisville KY. Nine grandchildren; Aaron (Elizabeth) Ellis, Louisville, KY; William Ellis, Lexington, KY; Anna Ellis Spence, Madisonville, KY; Haley Willett (David) Osborne, Bardstown, KY; J.P. (Savannah) Willett, Bardstown, KY; Caroline Willett (Walker Peterson), Washington, D.C.; Emma Boggess, Washington, D.C.; Kendall Boggess, Louisville, KY; Ted Boggess, Louisville, KY. Three great-grandchildren; Claire Spence, Madisonville, KY; Quinn Willett, Bardstown, KY; Harris Willett, Bardstown, KY. A brother Darrell (Kathleen) Boggess, Bloomington, IN and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at First Christian Church on Wednesday, November 1. Visitation at 11:30 and funeral following at 1:30. The Rev. Kara Foster and Rev. David Waddle officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Madisonville Noon Kiwanis Club or First Christian Church Building Fund.
Pallbearers - Aaron Ellis, William Ellis, Anna Ellis Spence, Haley Willett Osborne, J.P. Willett, Caroline Willett, Emma Boggess, Kendall Boggess, Ted Boggess, Bruce Boggess, Scott Boggess.
Honorary Pallbearers - Tim Blanchard, Dr. Jack Hamman, Jesse Abney, Bill Payne.
The Family would like to give special thanks to the staff at the Roosevelt Building at the Western Kentucky Veterans Center in Hanson. They went over and above in caring for and supporting Norman and his family in his last days.