Joseph Raymond Boland

Mr. Joseph Raymond Boland, 85, of Blairsville, Ga., died Saturday, April 15, 2006 at his home.

Mr. Boland was born in Onondaga County, N.Y., on Friday, October 22, 1920, a son of the late Charles Frank Boland and Antoinette Marie Novak Boland. A World War II veteran who served as a fighter pilot flying P47s in Europe, Joseph Ray Boland joined the Army Air Corp in February 1939. Ray accumlated between 30,000 and 35,000 flying hours in virtually every type aircraft flown in the military. During his flying career, Ray was stationed out-of-country in Panama Canal Zone, Guam, France, Belgium, Germany, Okinawa, Philippines, Honolulu, New Zealand, Australia and others. Ray received 2 Purple Hearts, Air Metal with 16 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross. His aviation career is certainly something to be admired and respected.

Mr. Boland had lived in Blairsville since 1975, moving here from Perry, Ga. In the Blairsville community, he was active in the past with the Union County Volunteer Fire Department, and served as Station 2 Fire Chief for 10 years. Mr. Boland was preceded in death by his wife, Christine, in 1998, and a son, Carl, in 1972. Mr. Boland was of the Catholic faith.

Surviving family members include his son, John Boland of Texas; daughters and sons-in-law, Lynda Bird and Dale Michaels of Blairsville, Pamela Boland and Tom Mims of Murphy, N.C., Annie and Lynn Bacon of Perry, Ga.; sons and daughter-in-law, Chris Boland of Blairsville, Randy and Mary Kay Boland of Blairsville; 14 grandchildren, two great grandchildren; lady friend, Gladys Souza of Blairsville; many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services were held Monday, April

17, 2006, at 11 a.m.,

from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with the Rev. Eric Lee officiating. Special music was presented by Mr. David Baker. Pallbearers were W.C. Nelson, Bill Haney, John Byars, Jack Gesch, Richard Fiser and Gene Pyburn. Honorary escorts to the family were Ty Cobb, John Hamler, Glenn Miller and Max Cochran. Joshua Craig presented Bagpipe Music at the airport, and members of North Georgia Honor Guard presented Military Honors at Blairsville Municipal Airport. A "Missing Man" Flying Formation passed over Blairsville Municipal Airport in honor of Mr. Boland. Burial was Tuesday, April 18, 2006, in Chattanooga National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, the family has suggested memorial contributions be made to the charity of your choice.

Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of arrangements. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes. com.

The Sentinel wishes to express condolences to the family and friends of Joseph Raymond Boland.