Rufus “Chief” Boswell

Rufus Boswell “Chief” passed away peacefully after a brief illness, surrounded by the love of his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, and a man whose life was defined by integrity, passion, and deep love for those around him.

Rufus was born on December 24, 1931, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. As a young child, his family relocated to Maryland, where he would spend the remainder of his life building a legacy of service, skill, and dedication. He carried with him a lifelong love of his Alabama roots, including a deep and abiding passion for Alabama football. He never lost his southern accent and charm. 

In March 1952, Rufus proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving with the 3598th Flight Line Maintenance Squadron under the command Air Training Command until March 1956. During his service in the Korean War, he demonstrated honor, discipline, and commitment to his country. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal in recognition of his service.

Following his military service, Rufus built a successful career as an automobile repair shop owner. He was highly respected in his field, known not only for his exceptional mechanical skill but also for his honesty, fairness, and dedication to his customers and community. He would always say

‘There is the right way, the wrong way, and Rufus’ way.’

Rufus’s passions stretched far beyond his profession. He was a pioneering figure in drag racing, earning national recognition with his beloved 1939 Chevrolet B/Modified Production car, “Lil’ Bit.” In 1965, he achieved one of his proudest accomplishments by winning the NHRA National B/Modified Production Class Championship in Indianapolis. His beautifully prepared blue Chevy sedan earned numerous awards, including honors at the Washington, D.C. Auto Show, and he became widely respected throughout the Mid-Atlantic racing community.

His love of engines extended into the sky. Aviation was a lifelong passion, beginning as a young teenager when he earned a trip to France through the Civil Air Patrol. Later in life, he fulfilled his dream of becoming a private pilot, finding joy and freedom in flight.

Above all, Rufus loved his family deeply and was immensely proud of them. He lived his life as a genuinely good man—steady, kind, hardworking, and devoted.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Janet Boswell; his daughter, Sheree Bailor and her husband Ed; his grandchildren, William Shively; Robert Shively (Christie); Crystal Wroten; Jennifer Zygala (Yuri); Ashley DiGiammatteo; and Jessica Jones; his nine great-grandchildren, William Shively; Paxton Shively; Noah Shively; Andrew Wroten; Sara Wroten; Anna Wroten; Dane DiGiammatteo; Maren Bailor Garcia; and Tristen Mattia; and his two great-great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Shively and Stella Giacometti. He is also survived by his very loved sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Stan Kimmel, brother-in-law David Coller, his nephews, Michael Woods, Paul Hurlburt, and Daniel Shriver (Amanda), and his great-niece, Cadence Shriver.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Bannie B. M. Boswell; his children, Deborah Boswell and William Boswell; his sister, Johnnie Hurlburt; his brother-in-law, Robert Hazel; and his nephew, Chris Shriver.

Rufus will be remembered for his quiet strength, his remarkable talents, his pioneering spirit, and the love he gave so freely to his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he cherished, and the memories that will endure for generations.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

www.medstarhealth.org/locations/hospice-of-st-marys

Condolences may be made to the family at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.

Arrangements by Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., Charlotte Hall, MD.

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