Horace J. Boatwright's Obituary
It is with profound sadness to report the passing of retired Undersheriff Horace Boatwright. Horace passed away on Friday, June 28, 2025, while at home surrounded by his loving family.
Horace was an 8-year veteran of the United States Air Force, stationed at George Air Force Base before he began his 33-year career with the Sheriff’s Department. Horace graduated from the Sheriff's Academy and held his first assignment at the West Valley Detention Center and since then, held various assignments at the Central, Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga Stations, Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center, and Employee Resources Division. In 2013, Horace was promoted to a Deputy Chief and in 2021 to Assistant Sheriff. In August of 2021, Sheriff Dicus promoted Horace to Undersheriff where he remained until his retirement in March of 2024.
Other than the many accomplishments Horace achieved within the department, he attended the FBI Academy in October 2017, obtained his Bachelor of Science 2017, and Master of Arts in Public Administration “Sum Cum Laude” 2019
Horace was extremely dedicated to his family and his community. He is proceeded in death by his mother, Johnnie Mae Ford, grandparents, Laura and Woodrow Harrington, and his brother, Fredrick Ford. He is survived by his loving wife, Kelli, son, Corey and daughter, Carley, brother, John Boatwright of South Carolina, sisters; Nora Boatwright of Georgia and Ernestine Porter of North Carolina, as well as many loving colleagues, friends, and family members.
What’s your fondest memory of Horace?
What’s a lesson you learned from Horace?
Share a story where Horace's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Horace you’ll never forget.
How did Horace make you smile?

