In Memory of Lawrence William Boitnott

Lawrence William Boitnott (Larry), 88, of Roanoke, Virginia was peacefully called to his heavenly home on Friday, September 4, 2020 at his home in Botetourt County.

Larry was born March 23, 1932 in Boones Mill, VA to Bud and Ethel Boitnott. He graduated from Boones Mill High School in 1950, earned his Science Degree from Ferrum College in 1953, and after college, he served in the U.S. Navy for two years. In 1974, Larry graduated from Virginia Tech with a Master’s in Horticulture. He was a Master Gardener and hosted a gardening radio show during part of his career on WFIR radio.

Larry was the Co-founder of Creative Nursery & Landscapes, Inc. Larry’s vast knowledge and experience in the Horticultural field spanned over five decades. He served as a VA Extension Agent for over 30 years and “retired” in 1987 to serve as the company’s Secretary/Treasurer and Maintenance Supervisor as Creative Nursery continued to grow. Larry enjoyed his work very much and contributed greatly to the success of the company. He continued to remain very active in the business until he was 86.

Larry was active in his church, First Church of God in Roanoke and was a Gideon with Gideons International, serving there alongside his wife for many years. Doing his big chicken barbeque was one of his favorite ways to serve ( and a favorite of those who had the privilege of enjoying it) for the annual Gideon Picnic. Among his other accomplishments were various recognitions and awards for serving as Secretary of VESA, Outstanding Leadership in the Virginia Turfgrass Association, and serving as President for the Botetourt Kiwanis Club from 2009–2010.

In his spare time, Larry enjoyed gardening for most of his life and he generously shared many “fruits” of his labor from the garden with family and friends through the years. Larry is no doubt planting a heavenly garden right now. His family is joyful in the knowledge that they will be reunited again in that Heavenly garden. •