In the early morning hours of January the tenth, Alonzo Plumb “Bruz” Boardman, Jr. went peacefully into rest in his home. A proud and lifelong Augustan, Bruz had a zest for life, a remarkable love for his family and friends and an unwavering positive attitude towards all he approached in life. A true southern gentleman, Bruz was never without a kind and encouraging word for anyone who crossed his path.
As a businessman with a penchant for creativity, Bruz served as President of Boardman Oil Company and developed Surrey Center into a model for upscale lifestyle centers emulated throughout the southeast. Following his graduation from the Darlington School and the University of Georgia, Bruz went on to serve his country with honor as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
Bruz was preceded in death by his lifelong companion and the love of his life Mrs. Kathryn “Kitty” Sibley Boardman. Bruz is survived by his daughters Kathryn Sibley Boardman and Margaret Elizabeth (Malisa) Boardman Copenhaver, his son-in-law David Spencer (Deke) Copenhaver, his sister Elizabeth Boardman Bowring and the late Martha Boardman Fleming and his extended family members Carolyn Smith, Frank Edwards, Daniel Johnson, Tyrone Garnett, Michael Wright and Craig Riggs.
Bruz was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, the Board of Directors of the Citizens and Southern National Bank, the Heritage Club, the Board of Directors of Historic Augusta, the Augusta Assembly, the Wade Hampton Club, the Coral Beach Club Bermuda, the Sea Pines Beach Club, the Sand Hills Luncheon Club and the Augusta Country Club. Affectionately known by his friends as “Ol’ Hoss” Bruz was a lifelong collector of antique carriages, cars, boats and all things which inspired his enduring curiosity about the world around him.
A master woodworker and craftsman, Bruz’s backgammon tables represented works of art and treasured keepsakes for friends and family members alike. Often appropriately described by those who knew him as “larger than life” Bruz never met a stranger and lived life to its fullest while having an enduring positive impact on his community and the lives of all those fortunate enough to know a man who was simply a true American original.
Braye Camden Boardman, Chad Joseph Benton, David Spencer Copenhaver, Gaines Edward Hitson, William Edwin Hollingsworth III, Gregory Calhoun O’Connor and Richard Allen Slaby Jr. will serve as honorary pallbearers. A graveside service will be held Monday, January 12th at 11:00 in the Summerville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church and NAMI Augusta. Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com