Col. Bill Boley - Ventriloquist & Magician
LadshawTom
(Dec. 17). He was a personal friend, a mentor, and an inspiration...not just
to me, but to virtually everyone he ever met. What an amazing legacy. One of
the best-known and best-loved "characters" in the small community of
ventriloquism, his passing leaves a void that is substantial. The following is
from the "Kentucky New Era" newspaper:
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The Hopkinsville–Christian County community was mourning the loss today of a
man who brought smiles to the faces of thousands with his magic.
Billy Joe "Bill'' Boley, 65, internationally recognized ventriloquist
and magician, died early Sunday, Dec. 17, 2000, at St. Thomas Hospital,
Nashville, Tenn., of complications of diabetes.
Boley, a Florence Street resident, had been in show business for more
than 40 years, entertaining aboard cruise ships and for thousands of school
children at parties and events across the Pennyrile.
Boley donated his time to perform at the city–county Recreation
Department's Summer Adventure Program and at various events for the physically
and mentally challenged.
"The kids always thoroughly enjoyed his show no matter how many times
they had seen him," said Pam Rudd, activities supervisor at the Recreation
Department. "He was very good at adapting his program to different groups. He
always had something for everyone."
Ron Gager, coordinator for Hope Family Resource Center at Morningside
Elementary School, first saw Boley 30 years ago at Highland Elementary School.
Most recently, Boley performed at Morningside‘s Male to Male program for boys
and their mentors or parents. Gager said Boley amazed people with his magic for
generations.
"He would get the kids involved. Through the mystery of magic, his show
was never the same," Gager said. "Making people smile, that was his life."
Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Maddux Funeral Home,
Hopkinsville, with the Rev. Ralph McConnell officiating. Burial will be in
Green Hill Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 4 until 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Boley, who had a vast collection of ventriloquist characters, had said
that he was inspired as a youngster by Edgar Bergen and his ventriloquist
personality Charlie McCarthy. Among Boley's collection were such comical
characters as Buford the Bashful Bull Frog and Jose the Crow.
He entertained on cruise ships for 13 years and wrote 24 books about
magic, ventriloquism and comedy. He also authored a number of video and
audiotapes on the subject of ventriloquism.
Boley was a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the
Society of American Magicians and served on the board of advisers for the
International Ventriloquists Association.
Earlier this year he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the
International Ventriloquists Association. In 1976 he was voted Ventriloquist of
the Year by the international association.
A native of Todd County, he was born Sept. 9, 1935, the son of Lillian
Boley Powell, Hopkinsville, and the late Alvie Boley. He was a Baptist. A
daughter, Rebecca Joann Boley, preceded him in death.
In addition to his mother, survivors include his wife, Charlene Boley;
a son, Joe A. Boley, who is also a ventriloquist and magician and resides in
Hopkinsville; a stepson, Kurt Harter, Des Moines, Iowa; a brother, Bobby Boley,
Hopkinsville and one grandson.
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Bill was a personal friend....one of those remarkable people who never had
a bad word to say about anyone.....one of those people who was always willing
to lend a hand....one of those people who could be counted on when no one else
could. I feel a great sense of personal grief. His loss will be felt for
years to come.
Tom Ladshaw
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Tom Ladshaw
"The STUDIO"
* Specializing in Used and Collectable Magic Apparatus and Books*
New Orleans, LA USA