McGee Valley News By Kathy Anderson Congratulations are in order for Shooter Boatright, who has committed to play collegiate baseball for the Carl Albert Jr. College Vikings in Poteau. This exciting news comes on the heels of Shooter concluding his high school career with the Tushka Tigers by helping them secure the 2025 Oklahoma State Baseball Championship.
The Boatright family has a strong athletic legacy. Shooter's brother, Hunter Boatright, a 2024 graduate of Kiowa High School who also competed in the Oklahoma State Baseball Tournament, currently plays for the Rose State College Raiders. It's possible these talented brothers could find themselves facing off on the field in the future!
This collegiate athletic tradition runs deep, spanning three generations. Shooter and Hunter's father, Dale Boatright, had a stellar baseball career, playing first at EOSC and then at SOSU in Durant. Their grandfather, Jimmy Boatright, was also an accomplished athlete, notably participating in collegiate track and field as a pole vaulter for EOSC. Beyond his own athletic achievements, Jimmy Boatright had a long and impactful coaching career, playing a significant role in honing the skills of his son and grandsons, helping them reach the collegiate level. This family's athletic lineage is truly something to be proud of.Robby and Wendy Isom and Dorothy Muncy recently enjoyed a delightful lunch with their former pastor, Bro. Phil Tallman, and his wife, Sharon. The Tallmans were passing through the area as part of their vacation and attended church services. Bro. Phil served as pastor at McGee Valley for several years before moving to the Lawton area to be closer to his wife's doctors and their children due to her health issues.
Our Annual Pie Supper was a resounding success! We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who attended, baked, sent, or purchased items, and especially those who made generous donations. The proceeds from the event will directly benefit the upkeep and maintenance of both Mountain Home Cemetery and Billy Cemetery.
This year's crowd favorites included Chocolate Pie, Pecan Pie, Peach Skillet Cobbler, and the always-popular Apricot Fried Pies. Allen Burleson and wife Sherri's Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies were a big hit, as were Meagan Bacon's No Bake Cookies. A special thank you goes to Kam (Gann) Hardin and her brother Kevin, who donated a beautiful chocolate cake on a glass cake holder in memory of their mother, Beth, for the sale. We were also delighted to welcome long-time community members Herman and Alice Hutson to the event.
A big shout-out to Shooter Boatright, an up-and-coming auctioneer, for his excellent service as auctioneer for the Pie Supper!
I had a lovely visit with Barbara Moreland this past week. Barbara and her husband, Charles, had been busy mowing and weedeating, meticulously caring for family graves at the Crystal Cemetery. I've known Barbara since I was a teenager and always enjoy our conversations; she is always so kind and friendly. I also want to give a special shoutout to her daughter, Lori, who was surprised I remembered giving her swimming lessons over 50 years ago when she was about six or seven! I assured her that while I've gotten older, my memory is still intact. And for those wondering, Lori was a quick learner, a good swimmer, and even jumped off the diving board her first week!
Avery and Fisher Tatum enjoyed a fun family outing to the Tulsa Zoo this past week, with Avery's new puppy, Gator, even joining in the fun from his doggy stroller.
Jo-Ann Gabbart spent a few enjoyable days with her son Teddy and his wife Amy in Caddo.
Happy 96th Birthday wishes go out to Alice Hutson, who celebrated her special day last week! Alice and my mother, Ruthie Anderson, are first cousins and the last two living grandchildren of Judge Isaac Billy. Happy Birthday wishes also go out to Susan Isom, who celebrated her birthday last week.
Please keep the family of Denise Kellogg in your thoughts and prayers, as well as all those who lost their homes in the Blanco area due to last week's tornado.
Additionally, please continue to keep Willa Mae Isom, Rick Akin, and Leebert Tramble in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with ongoing medical issues.
