Leland "Bo" Boshears

Leland “Bo” Boshears, 86, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Born on October 29, 1938, in LaFollette, Tennessee, Bo lived a life defined by hard work, quiet excellence, and a deep love for the land, animals, and the people around him.

Bo dedicated over 25 years of his professional life to the Y-12 plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where he served as an assembly supervisor. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence, Bo’s daily dedication did not go unnoticed. He was honored with multiple recognitions throughout his career and received a perfect attendance award—an achievement that spoke volumes about his reliability and work ethic. Among his many accomplishments at Y-12, there were several that brought him great pride and lasting respect from colleagues who valued his leadership and integrity.

Outside of work, Bo’s passions were as rich and varied as the East Tennessee landscape he called home. In his younger years, his first love was a drag racing, which evolved to successful building and racing dirt track cars—a pursuit that combined his love for mechanics with a competitive spirit. Bo also worked in coal mining and on the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway After retiring from Y-12, he returned to the land he loved most: raising cattle and tending to his family farm. His bond with animals was remarkable; he formed deep connections with every cow under his care and often reminisced about his childhood companions—his dog Bow Wow and pony Red.

In retirement, Bo also discovered a new talent: music. Teaching himself to play guitar, he quickly became an accomplished musician who performed at venues ranging from Ciderville to the Tennessee State Capitol. True to form, he approached music with the same dedication that marked every chapter of his life.

Bo’s home was a reflection of his pride and care. He took immense satisfaction in maintaining a pristine lawn and vibrant flower beds. His John Deere mower was always spotless—a testament to both his love of mowing and attention to detail. In 2021, he was honored with the Broadacres in Bloom Beautification Award, a recognition that brought him quiet but heartfelt pride.

A devoted reader with an insatiable appetite for Western novels, Bo kept his son-in-law Brent busy tracking down every title he could find. He ended every day speaking to son Robert and sister Eugenia and by FaceTiming with grand-cat Dexter (courtesy of daughter Kathy). He had also spent countless hours year round outdoors playing with his beloved grand-dog Jesse.

Bo is survived by his son Robert Lynn Boshears and spouse Kim; daughter Leann “Kathy” Foley and spouse Brent; sisters Eugenia Branam and Sarah Stooksbury; niece Linda Severs; nephews Mark Stooksbury and Ronald Branam along with their spouses, children, and grandchildren; spouse Jewel Stelmo Poteet and her children Sherrie Lynn Hanson and Michael Lee Poteet and their families; her siblings and extended families, and dear friends and neighbors John and Lori Overton.

He was preceded in death by his parents Wheeler and Della Boshears and sister Linda Boshears.

Bo’s legacy is one of quiet strength, boundless generosity, curiosity for life’s wonders, and an open-hearted acceptance of everyone just as they were. He was intelligent, adventurous, kind, selfless—and truly special in this world.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to share in his journey.

Services to be determined and announced at a later date.

To plant a tree in Bo's memory, please visit www.alivingtribute.org

Mynatt Funeral Home Powell Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Leland Boshears.

Mynatt Funeral Home Powell Chapel * 2000 Powell Drive * Powell, TN 37849 * (865) 362-5382 * www.mynattfh.com