Gerald “Jerry” Eugene Bolen, 87, of Pulaski, peacefully departed his wonderful life Saturday, July 21, at Bedford County Nursing Home.
Born Aug. 8, 1924, at East Gulf in Raleigh County, W.Va., Gerald was the son of the late Lewis Gilbert Bolen Sr. and the late Ora Brammer Bolen. He grew up in Mullens, W.Va., but resided most of his adult life in Pulaski.
Gerald was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, the late Lois Elkins Bolen.
He is survived by two daughters, Mildred Bolen of Pulaski, and Alice Fordham and her husband, Larry, of Forest; two granddaughters, Andra Bostic and her husband, Will, of Bedford, and Laurel Pavia and her husband, Anthony, of Forest; two great-granddaughters, Sydney and Myleigh Bostic; two sisters-in-law, Laura Elkins Brillheart of Dublin and Mildred Elkins Bolen of Lynchburg; his loving nieces, nephews, and their families filled his life with joy. Also preceding Gerald in death are his siblings, Lewis Gilbert Bolen Jr., John Thomas Bolen and Verna Eloise Bolen.
Gerald was a veteran of World War II, where he served in the U. S. Army 79th Field Hospital. He graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1951. Gerald worked for Hercules Inc. at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant for 32 years. After his retirement, he became a real estate agent, retiring from Century 21 Hometown Realty after 17 years in the business.
Gerald was a member of First United Methodist Church in Pulaski. He was an avid reader, a faithful “Hokie,” an excellent storyteller who became the unofficial family historian and a devoted family man who will be greatly missed.
Gerald’s family wishes to extend thanks to all those who cared for him over the past year, especially those who were there with him at the end – the staff of Bedford County Nursing Home and Bedford Hospice Care.
The family will receive visitors at the Family Life Center of First United Methodist Church, Pulaski, Wednesday, July 25, from 10 to 11 a.m. A funeral service will be conducted immediately following visitation at 11 a.m. Interment will be held in Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers¸ those wishing to make a memorial contribution is asked to consider the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Road, Suite 106A, Roanoke, VA 24018.
Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski.
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