A native of Plymouth, NC., and the son of the late John A. McNair and the late Walter D. and Marie Glennie Boston Pinchback, Mr. Boston had lived in Columbus most of his life. He was a graduate of Icnorcom High School in Plymouth, received his Associates Degree from Norfolk College and his Bachelors Degree from Troy State University. He retired from the U.S. Army after 22 years of services and also retired from Civil Service as a Electronic Inspector after 21 years of service. He was a devout member of First African Baptist Church and its Deacon Ministry, Voices of FAB Choir, Smithsonian Choir, Men's Choir, Audio Ministry and served as a former Trustee. He was a member of the Columbus branch of NAACP, Columbus Urban League and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Delores Parham Boston.

Surviving are a loving wife, Mrs. Jennie Hall Boston; one son, Willie W. Boston, Jr(Gail); one daughter, Tonya Olds(Freddie Wilson); three step-children, Robert Johnson(Tracey), Brenda Berk(Leon) and Gary Johnson; two grandchildren, Eric Olds and Karisa Beard(Mel); six step grandchildren, seven step great grandchildren; one brother, Melford Pinchback(Barbara); one aunt, Elsie Moore; one uncle, Sid Bratton; devoted cousins, Brenda G. Moore(William) and Eunice Speed(William); a god-daughter, Beatrice Colley; two god-grandchildren, Demetrius and Franchesca; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.