Dr. Robert Marshall Boggs

Dr. Robert “Doc” Marshall Boggs, 83, long-time resident of Marion, NC, passed away peacefully in his home on the morning of Tuesday, May 28, 2024. 

Doc was preceded in death by his mother, Mitty Margaret Petree, and his father, Marshal Ray Boggs. He is survived by his beloved wife Lynn Cook Boggs of Marion, NC, daughter Brittney McKinley Boggs of Boone, NC, two sons; Hampton Marshall Boggs and Paul Bartholomew Boggs both of Marion, NC, brother Eddie Wayne Boggs of Pfafftown, NC, adopted “grandson” Isaac Lee Wooten, along with many other extended family members and community friends.  

Robert was born in the front room of a small farmhouse in Lewisville, NC, on April 28, 1941. He was raised in the tobacco fields of Forsyth County and understood the value of working hard and persevering from an early age. As a child, Doc developed a respect and love for horses which led to a lifelong passion. He provided riding lessons to his community, rode in holiday parades, provided horseback rides at school functions, and volunteered with the therapeutic equine program, Magical Moments. He preferred his jeans and boots over a suit and tie anytime he could. 

Doc was well known for his involvement with Community Theater. A regular over decades, he participated in productions across the state. He reprised many roles on stage including Big Daddy in Tennessee Williams's, Cat of a Hot Tin Roof, and Mark Twain in The Man Who Lost the River. 

Robert had a prolific career in Education Administration which spanned the state of North Carolina. He obtained his undergraduate degree and six-year degree (Master’s Program) at Appalachian State University and went on to earn his Doctoral Degree at University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He taught History, English, and Physical Education while coaching wrestling at East Bend High School prior to serving as Superintendent of Clinton City Schools, Alexander County Schools, and Guilford County Schools before accepting the position as President of McDowell Technical Community College. Upon his retirement, Doc went back to doing what he loved most- teaching. He taught History and English at West McDowell Jr. High before teaching English at McDowell Early College while serving as assistant wrestling coach at McDowell High School under longtime hall-of-fame head coach and close personal friend, Tim Hutchins. Doc was known for his ambition, professionalism, encouragement of students, and warmth as an educator. One of his favorite sayings was “If nothing else I’d like to say that I helped a young person along their way”.

Above all, Robert loved his family. There was little that Robert would not do to ensure his family’s prosperity, security, and contentment. Doc always put the needs of others before his own, offering encouragement, compassion, and steadfast support. He will be loved and remembered fondly by his colleagues, former students, friends, and family as a man of conviction and strength while always finding time to smile, laugh, and simply enjoy life. 

Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday, June 8th, 2024 at Beam’s Celebration Center in Marion, NC. The family will receive friends from 1pm-3pm with a celebration of life service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation in memory of Dr. Robert M. Boggs to:

McDowell Technical Community College’s Endowment Fund 

MTCC Foundation 54 College Dr. Marion, NC 28752 

-OR- 

Hope for Horses Equine Sanctuary 

Hope for Horses 160 Main St. Suite 2, Waynesville, NC 28786 or online at hopeforhorses.org.