Morton Boston Jr.
I dedicate this book to my father Morton Boston Jr. He was a brilliant man that loved God and he had a sparkle in his eyes. God blessed him with an uncanny knowledge to make complicated things seem easy and he loved to teach. He would pick up a pencil and a piece of paper and layout a process he was taught in some Leadership or communication class that was applicable to what I was dealing with at the time. He was a graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters of Arts Degree from Lewis University, Romeoville, Illinois in Organizational Leadership. My father challenged me and taught me the importance of hard work. He taught me how to work on cars and how to think critically. Mr. Boston worked as a Boeing a subcontractor for NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama from 1964 – 1966 to help design the Apollo 1 Rocket that ultimately propelled Astronauts to the Moon in 1969.
I was born in Huntsville, Alabama at that time as well. He moved us to Newport News, VA in 1978 when he took a job at Amoco Oil Refinery in Seaford, Virginia. He thrived as an Engineer and transitioned to become an Environmental Engineer. He started his own Environmental Safety Training company. His expertise in Environmental Safety lead him to be hired as Regional Director for Eastern division of Virginia Power. My father was always an active church member where he lived. He led such an accomplished life. Who knew that I would follow in my Dad’s footsteps and work for NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA years later. Life has come full circle in that we are getting ready to head back to the Moon. I am honored to continue the Boston legacy that my father started by loving God and teaching.
To my family:
Shelley Boston (wife), Sherrika Fulgham, Shanna Wynn, Sharmanika Watkins (daughters), Carlos Fulgham, Roe Wynn, Tyre Watkins (Son-In-Laws), Simone Fulgham, Aiden Fulgham, Kaleigh Mears, McKenzie Wynn, Daijah Mears, Omari Watkins, Kamren Watkins (grandkids), Sharon Hosea, Jonathan Edwin Boston-Bey (siblings), Dante Hose, Pat Boston-Bey (Brother-In-Law and Sister-In-Law), Olivia Hosea, Joy Hosea, Elijah Boston, Carmen Boston, Lenise Young, Lauren Young (nieces and nephews).
Close Friends, Aunts and Uncles:
Daryl Fluker, Dwane Seals, Erla Seals, Darius Seals, Xavier Reid, Tamra Reid, Jerrel Mason, Roberto Peters, Barbara Peters, David Bragg, Teresa Bragg, Erma Etheridge, Marcus Etheridge, Todd Anderson, Barry Lazos, Jesse Midgett, Clarence Stanfield, Fabiola Martin, Tracey Frisby, Anthony Hill, Windell Osbourne, Sadie Osbourne, Sandra McCann, Russell Coppedge, Faith Coppedge, Deschaun McWhorter, Mark Guilford, Lisa Guilford, Yolanda Hinton, Michael Chapman, Pat Mead, Elijah Kent, Julie Williams-Byrd, Melvin Ferebee, Michelle Ferebee, Marva Mabry, Bryan Sears, Juanita Sears, David Hayes, Deborah Hayes, Morris Jones, Julie William-Byrd, Andria Wiggins, Cheryl Jones, Aryca Wynn, Aunt Cloe Boston, Uncle Lemuel Boston, Kirk Boston, Candi Boston, Sharon Smith, Kevin Smith, Aunt Katie Davis, Femeka Glenn, Marion Glenn, Uncle Ralph Gantt, Aunt Edith Gantt, Trina Bolden, Shadeed Harris, Mary Ward, Melvin Ward, Steve McDonald, Nichole McDonald, Al Motley, Julee O’neal, Vernice Pair, Deborah Bowles, Calvin Blocker, Yolanda Blocker, Lawrence Nichols, Tamra Nichols, James Prince, Quentin Royal, Linda Royal, Bryan Royal, Jason Royal, Diane Royal, Tisha Royal, Callie Walls, Trina Culpepper, Sherman White. Jesse Hardeman, extended family and friends for all of their support and patience as I slow walked the journey to creating this book. Thanks.