Video: Amory Friends and Colleagues Remember Former Mayor Boozer

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AMORY, Miss. (WCBI)  – The city of Amory is mourning the loss of one of their own.

After sudden health complications, Howard Boozer passed away Monday night.

He served as Mayor for two terms and held several leadership roles throughout his years in Amory.

“He was just a great guy,” said Leslie Grant, owner of Loden’s Body Shop in Amory.

That is how Grant describes his friend and customer, Howard Boozer.

The two have been friends for decades.

“Affectionately referred to him as ‘the mayor’, he was a customer for over 30 years. Began the relationship in that way and over the years grew into a great friendship, considered him one of my closest friends,” said Grant.

Recently, the two worked together on one of Boozer’s favorite hobbies, restoring an antique truck.

“Other than his family and friends, I thought to be the pride and joy of his life was a 66′ Chevrolet pick-up that he completely restored and showed and won trophies, a lot of trophies with it, he was very proud of it,” said Grant.

Boozer served as mayor of Amory for two terms, retiring from office in 2013.

“Loved his family, loved his wife Mrsm Brenda very much. He enjoyed traveling with her since his retirement and was always happy to tell you about their travels,” said Amory Mayor Brad Blalock.

Blaylock says his predecessor was also a trusted mentor.

“He offered a suggestion on what was going on in the city and just different things to ease me into the position. And he didn’t have to do that and he was very graceful in doing that,” said Blalock.

Beyond the love for his family and friends, was a love for the city of Amory and serving his community.

That will not be forgotten.

“He was generations born and bread here, loved it here, would do anything he could to help this place,” added Blalock.
“His smile and his warm handshake and his friendly gestures not only missed by the city but their going to be missed by his family and his friends and everyone who knew him. He was just a great guy,” added Grant.

The visitation is tentatively set for Wednesday from 5 to 9 pm. The funeral is Thursday at 1 pm.

Both are to be held at First United Methodist Church in Amory.