Edward Boling Obituary

Edward Boling

Knoxville, TN

Dr. Edward J. Boling, passed away peacefully at his home in east Knoxville on Thursday morning, June 18, 2015. Ed Boling was born on Sunday, February 19, 1922, in Sevier County. He was the third child of Samuel Riley and Nerissa Boling, with older brother Sam and sister Lythia, who all preceded the deceased in death.

Ed is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carolyn Pierce Boling; sons Mark, Brian, and Steve; daughters-in-law Anita, Casey, and Gayla; grandchildren Jessica, Morgan, Michael, Brennan, Conor, and Katherine; great granddaughter Eliana; and many wonderful friends, including his lifelong friend, Charlie Brakebill.

The family will be receiving visitors at the James R. Cox Auditorium at 1408 Middle Drive (in the Alumni Memorial Building) between 3:30 and 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23. The visitation period will be followed by a service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Parking is available for guests in Lot 9 just across Philip Fulmer Way.

Memorials may be sent to: The University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC), Development Office, 2121 Medical Center Way, Suite 110, Knoxville, TN 37920-3257. To donate online, visit www.utmedicalcenter.org and click on the "Ways to Give" tab.

The family extends our respect and gratitude to Dr. Jack Lacey and the team of physicians and nurses at UT hospital who surely improved his quality of life and extended his time with the family by many years. Thanks to the many Professional Case Management nurses for their tireless support of Ed and the family as we dealt with his health challenges. Special thanks to caregiver Rachel Keene for years of faithful, loving service.

If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Edward J. Boling was a leader who always wanted and chose to go far. In his marriage, his family, the U.S. Army, serving the state of Tennessee, building and developing the University of Tennessee, and thus his life, he always gathered wonderful and talented people and led us all to be far more than seemed possible. The world needs more like him. He will be sorely missed. Services are under the direction of Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel 6200 Kingston Pike. Visit www.rosemorutary.com to view the online guest book

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Knoxville News Sentinel from Jun. 21 to Jun. 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Boling

11 Entries

Kasey Brady

June 15, 2025

Ed was and is always an inspiration to me. His love of family and keen intellect were qualities I admired. Rest in peace.

June 25, 2015

With heartfelt sympathy -
Joyce Wells Russell

Dale and Kathy Stokes

June 23, 2015

Carolyn, Mark, Brian, Steve and family, We are saddened to hear of Ed's passing. I have many great memories of "hanging out" at 940 Cherokee Blvd and the kindness Ed and Carolyn always showed to me. Our prayers are with you. May God bless your family in the days ahead.

June 23, 2015

Steve, my condolences to you and your family.
Leigh Ann Barnard Johnson (Chilhowee Elementary).

Liz Nelson

June 22, 2015

Dr. Bowling's signature is on my UT diploma Sorry for the loss. Elizabeth Lee Starnes Nelson

L. Rebecca (Becky) Wynn

June 22, 2015

Another UT beacon in heaven along with Dr. Andy Holt and Betty Davis - oh how I miss those two as well. I was fortunate to have been able to work with each of these fine individuals during my work in the System Development Office (Charlie Brakebill) and the General Counsel and Board of Trustees Office. A remembrance of years past, when Dr. Boling and Miss Betsey Creekmore, Jr. played tennis in a ballooned facility close the Stokely Athletics Center. Fun times, as well as the dinners held at the UT President's Residence. You opened our University in many aspects and avenues towards the future...and we are thriving. -L. Rebecca (Becky) Wynn, Member-Fountain City United Methodist Church, Knoxville, TN

Patsy Boling

June 21, 2015

Carolyn, Mark, Brian and Steve and your families. God bless you during this time of sorrow. I know you will miss him deeply. He was a good man who loved his family. I remember all the holidays we shared when Sam III and I were togther. He was very good to us! You are in my thoughts and prayers!

June 21, 2015

Ed was a great man who gave freely of his time and energy. It was my privilege to have him as my uncle. So many great memories of holiday gatherings with the family. His spirit will be missed.

Much love,
Kay

Jean H. Clark

June 21, 2015

I admired him very much. He set examples for the rest of us. It was a privilege to have shared being grandparents together.

Deepest sympathy,

Chris Marcus

June 21, 2015

I extend my sympathies to the Boling Family. Back in the early 1970s, Dr. Boling's son, Brian, coached our bball team at H-C Rec-Ctr. Dr. Boling would occasionally come and watch his son coach and the team play on Saturday mornings. I recall him being a true gentleman; just as his son was a fine, young man. That was a special time...a special season. May God bless you all and keep the Boling Family with peace and comfort.

-R/Chris (a forward on Brian's 1973-74 Champion-Knicks team)

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