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Michael Bolton Obituary
April 16, 1949 – April 23,2012
Raleigh
Michael Gordon Bolton, 63, passed away at The Hospice Home of Wake County Monday, April 23, 2012, after a valiant battle with cancer. Mike, son of the late Elsie Brown and William Elvin Bolton, Jr., was born in Raleigh on April 16, 1949. He is remembered with love and adoration by his wife Winifred White Bolton; his children Lisa Bolton Lowrance (Bryan), Sarah Bolton Bridger (Craven), Kelsie Bolton Williamson (Tucker), and Michael Gordon Bolton, Jr. Memories of Granddaddy will be treasured by Wilder and Margaret Lowrance, Winnie and Cash Bridger, and Mac Williamson and his baby sister on the way. Mike is also survived by his brothers Douglas Vaughan Bolton and William Elvin Bolton III; his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins; beloved friends; The 'Hood; The Mountain Men camping group; and his Coon dog, Spooner.
Mike graduated from Needham B. Broughton High School in 1967, and was a member of Broughton's state championship-winning football team, that was later inducted into the Broughton Sports Hall of Fame. He graduated from North Carolina State University with an Economics degree and joined the family business. He and Winnie were married in 1973 and raised their family in the neighborhood where he grew up.
He was committed to his schools and his community. He served NCSU through its Alumni Association Board of Directors, its Foundation Board, the Alumni Association Campaign for Excellence, and the NCSU Centennial Gateway Committee. Mike was a member of the boards of Raleigh Little Theatre and North Carolina Theatre, and enjoyed membership in the Stag Club and the State Club.
Mike Bolton valued teamwork. He was committed to "Christmas in April" which pulled together teams of dedicated business people who repaired homes for the needy and elderly in the community. Skills USA North Carolina was one of Mike's special passions, and through his leadership and his teamwork there, young people have been led to life-long careers in technical trades. He chaired their board of directors for twelve years, and recently the organization honored him by creating the Mike Bolton Champion Award and the Mike Bolton Honorary Scholarship.
A great day for Mike was one at Kerr Lake, one exploring Shackleford Banks, and especially one spent working in his yard. Mike's greatest legacy is his wife, his four children, and his grandchildren. His love, his irrepressible positive energy, and his commitment to "a good day's work" are the gifts he leaves to them. His family will honor him by encouraging their children to be dreamers too.
The family thanks everyone who was a part of Team Mike. Go Mike!!!
A service celebrating Mike's life will be held at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church, 1801 Hillsborough Street Raleigh, NC at 2:00 pm on Thursday April 26, 2012. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Wednesday April 25, 2012 at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 831 Wake Forest Road Raleigh, NC.
Memorial gifts may be made to SkillsUSA North Carolina, NC Youth Development Fund, c/o Mike Bolton Honorary Scholarship, 6360 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6360; or to Hospice of Wake County, 200 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Bolton
May 24, 2012
Winnie, So sorry to hear of Mikes passing...I always thought very fondly of you and Mike..You were always a pleasure to do business with....Jimmy Daniel
May 9, 2012
Winnie and the Bolton Family,
It sure is sad everytime I pass the Black Jack sitting there waiting for Mike to come out and sit her down in the water.
Denise and I was passing the Webb Ct house by boat on Saturday, and I looked at Denise and commented that it doesn't seem right not seeing Spooner come running down to the water to howl at us and Mike right behind him to meet us at the dock. Those days will be missed but never forgotten.
I have told many people that Mike was the only person that I know of that everytime I either walked up or rode my bike up to see you guys, he never failed to walk with me home when it was time to go. When we got to the house he would always look for Denise to give her a big hug.
Myfamily and I are truly blessed to have had Mike in our life.
We will meet him again soon !!
Rick,Denise and family
Andrew (Butch) Bates Jr
May 7, 2012
Dear Miss Winnie and Bolton family,
I was employed at Bolton Corp when Mr & Mrs Bolton were still active there. Knowing Mr. Mike was like, feeling you were around a man who never saw a dull or bad day. I know he might have had them, but he carried himself as though everyday was a great day, Always smiling. Always had a nice word of encougement. I remember days of getting all of the Theater in the Park (stuff), THE LARGE SPHERE he had made,to have them ready for pickup, There are so many memories of Bolton, I was so honored to have known Mr. Mike. Also enjoyed when Mike Jr. came by, I know that you and your children have so many wonderful memories of being with Mr Mike. I pray that those wonderful memories will contiune to give all of you the comfort needed in this difficult time
Mary Virginia Scott
April 30, 2012
Winnie,
I have loved hearing the wonderful stories of you, Mike, the children and grandchildren over the years from Jane, Debbie, Cathy, and others. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family at this time. You two will always be the perfect couple --- Gin-Gin Bruce Scott
Mike and Winnie's visit to New York, Jan. 2012
John and Cathy Sweeney
April 30, 2012
Dear Winnie and Family, The Bolton family has always had a special place in our hearts since we moved in next door on Elvin Court so many years ago. We were there when your house was moved into place and then watched in awe as Mike transformed the yard one bush at a time! And then moved that bush, and many more, again and again to create a masterpiece of a yard. Just one of his many talents... We will miss him. Our thoughts are with all of you.
George Morse
April 30, 2012
Dear Bolton Family and friends,
We are shocked and sorrowed to hear of the tremendous loss of your loved one.
I had the pleasure of working for Mike for several years and always had the utmost respect for such a special guy.
The Lord has you in HIS arms.
Rest in peace Mike.
Suzanne and George Morse
April 29, 2012
The Gallagher family enjoyed our growing up years with the Bolton family. Warmest hugs, our heartfelt sympathy and many prayers for all of the Boltons.
Love,
Patsy Gallagher Campbell
Henderson, Kentucky
Gail Shelley Duncan
April 28, 2012
Winnie, you and the children have my sympathy and my prayers for peace. While I never got to know Mike, Kathryn loved going to your house to be with Kelsi and I remember talking with him when I came to pick her up. I understand well your pain and loss; we lost Noah in August. The days will get better and the help of your girls will be priceless. Just know that many people understand your pain and are there for you. May God give you peace and comfort.
April 27, 2012
What a wonderful service and memory time at your home yesterday. Thank you and your family for that gift.
Jean Rabb Irvin
Mary Ann Gunter Sigler
April 27, 2012
Dear Winnie,
Words cannot express how terribly sorry I am for your loss. What a great team you were and what a wondeful legacy your family serves to always honor Mike's memory. I will always cherish my memories from high school of Mike's enthusiam and positive energy (and our little sailing date,too). How he used that viatlity to serve his family, friends and community throughout his life. Please know I think of you sending loving and supportive prayers. What an honor to have known him!
April 27, 2012
I spent some time with Mike at the 40th NBHS reunion in 2007 getting caught up on things. The state championship game against Durham was playing in the background, and we reminisced a bit, sharing some fond memories. Mike was a positive spirit, a fun-loving guy, and still displayed some great shag moves on the dance floor. He will be missed. My prayers go out to Winnie and his family. - Daulton West, Jr.
Henni Corbin
April 27, 2012
Sweet Winnie,
Wishing each grieving Bolton a big bear hug from God. Mike is OK now. Love, Henni Corbin
Joe Deehan
April 26, 2012
I had the privilege of serving with Mike on the Board of Christmas in April for several years. Mike's enthusiasm and leadership, including his tireless efforts in fundraising, were vital to the organization's survival. He clearly made a difference in the lives of many less fortunate people. I am extremely saddened to read of his passing, but know that a great person is in the Lord's care. My deepest condolences to Mike's wife, children and grandchildren. May God provide comfort to you during your time of loss.
Lisa Williamson
April 26, 2012
You know we love you all so much and will miss Mike every day, Lisa and Tom Williamson, Jenn, Stephen, and Amanda
Rob Campbell
April 26, 2012
I haven't seen Mike since my pledge class at the SAE house as NCSU. I remember him fondly and will keep his family in my prayers
Carol White
April 26, 2012
As the bird freed from it's cage
Soars to new heights,
So the Christian soul in death
Flies home to God.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Floyd, Carol & Frances White
Dirk Evans
April 26, 2012
I had the pleasure of knowing Mike for over 20 years as a Member of The Stag Club of which I am the Care Taker. He was always the first to offer to help out at every meeting and always greeted me with that big grin and a firm handshake. He loved a good joke and we shared many. He was a good man and a good friend. He will be greatly missed. I feel honored to have known him and know that when my time comes and I get there that I'll see him with that big grin and that firm handshke and yeah.....we'l probably share a couple of more jokes. Blessings to his family and know that all of you are always welcomed out at "The Club". Dirk
Ann Johnson
April 26, 2012
Winnie, My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ann Richie Johnson
Bob Adams
April 26, 2012
Winnie, You and your family are in our prayers.
Phil Wood
April 26, 2012
Dear Winnie and The Bolton Clan,
I was so sorry to hear about your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. However, I have to be honest!.. I'm not in the least bit worried for you all because you have been blessed with such a strong, vibrant, fun and attractive family. And one hell of a supportive group of friends!
I am thinking a lot about y'all.
Xx P
April 25, 2012
Winnie, I have kept up with you and Mike through your friends. You have been in my prayers and will continue to be. Lot of love to you at this difficult time. Brad and Susan Stimmel
Sherry Stancil
April 25, 2012
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Mrs.Bolton and the entire family.I had the pleasure to take care of Mike as my surgery patient.I got to know about his situation through Cathy Long,a wonderful coworker of mine.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.May the Lord give you strength,peace and comfort in this extremely difficult time.Yall are a beautiful family and may the lord bless and keep you until you all meet again in that heavenly home.
April 25, 2012
Too many memories to enumerate since Mike and I met at a White Family function back in 1971, but I'm gonna miss him both as a fellow State alum, cousin-in-law, frog gigging/snake dodging partner from the "pond off the Creedmore Hwy, and generally just a good ole guy who likes dogs and kids like me! I'm gonna miss you, Mike, but I'm glad you'll be there to greet my Mom in a few days!!! Thanks for being her special dancin' buddy!
Wayne aka "Gwayne Cherry"!
Anne Summerlin
April 25, 2012
Kelsie, I was so sorry to hear about your Dad. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Anne, Little David & Lloyd
April 25, 2012
Winnie,
Joe and I will never forget Mike's boyish enthusiasm, love of life and generosity. He was always devoted to you and your family. His thoughtfulness and concern for others was evident in all he did. We feel so privileged to have met him and you. Shipley Jenkins (Chapel Hill, NC)
April 25, 2012
What a GREAT JOY to see Mike and others October 15, 2010 at the induction of the 1966 Football Team into the Broughton HOF. What a SAD TIME to read his obituary April 24, 2012.....GOD BLESS ALL ......Coach Stutts
Dottie Haynes
April 25, 2012
Kelsie,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Dottie and Bob Haynes
Marcia Gorrell
April 25, 2012
Winnie, May the good Lord be with you and you family.Heaven is truly a brighter place with Mikes presence. I pray that Gods mercy, strength and compassion be with you each and every day to comfort you, help lift you with his love and keep those loving and fun memories alive for you every day. My thoughts and prayers are with you, My heart is wih you, Marcia Gorrell
Hilah Henley
April 25, 2012
Our thoughts are with your family. The abundant love in your hearts will help carry you through this time. You continue to be in our prayers. Hilah and Gene Henley
April 25, 2012
Mike was a wonderful person and very lucky to have married Winnie. I will always remember the wonderful times at Leroy Martin and Needham Broughton. So sorry for your loss Winnie and family. Becky Amburn Metcalf
dan leonard
April 25, 2012
Winnie, our thoughts are with you and your great family. Dan and Lisa
Cyndi Bailey Morgan
April 25, 2012
So sorry for your loss, Winnie. Thinking of you and your family. Cyndi Bailey Morgan
AnneWilson Vaughan
April 25, 2012
Winnie & family...so many wonderful memories of family gatherings! We all shall miss him. Our family send our deepest condolences and love to you, your children, grandchildren and Mike's family. We send lots of love...your cousin, Anne Wilson & Larry Vaughan
April 25, 2012
Winnie and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you and will be in the days to come.
Dana Jones
April 25, 2012
Winnie and family,heaven is a little brighter.God will always need bright stars. i feel you and our waves at Shack will miss Mike's presence.But we will always jhave his spirit. Sandi Mcclenny Willis
Bridgette Olive
April 25, 2012
To the Bolton Family, I only met Mike a few times, but my husband worked with Bolton Corp for about 12 yrs. Mike touched so many lives during his life. May God Bless you and comfort you all during this time of loss.
Bridgette Olive
April 25, 2012
Dear Winnie and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.We remember so many fun times with the family at Kerr Lake.
Myra and Roy Little
Landon Maby
April 25, 2012
My heart goes out to your whole family.
Lots of love
April 24, 2012
To the Bolton Family: You are in my prayers and thoughts during this difficult time. May God be with you today and everyday.
Leigh Hunter
Martin Middle School
Raleigh, NC
Louis Raynor Jr
April 24, 2012
A class man that stood on his own merits and a genuine giver.
April 24, 2012
Winnie...I will never forget ...lots ..but the night the Bolton's and the Rabb's both started on separate trips but ended up camping at the same campground...NEVER has there been so much rain in one night ...we were a wet, cold, dirty group...who had Lots of laughs...as i always did with Mike...Thoughts and prayers to all of you...and the wonderful knowledge that your memories will be ..the best..
Love, Jean Rabb Irvin
Hannah Poteat
April 24, 2012
Winnie--we did not know and I have felt such a loss all day. Mike was loved by so many and rightfully so. His smile, his positive spirit, his encouragement made our community a better place. The phrase that has resonated in me all day is one I hope will help you and your family get through dark times. It is simply,"THIS was a man." I was lucky to have known him.
Lee Davis
April 24, 2012
I can't express how sad I am at this loss of Mike. John and I send thoughts of love and support to you, Winnie. I call Mike "The Perfect Man", and the world will be less without him here.
April 24, 2012
Winnie, I had no idea Mike was sick. So,so sorry he is gone... We had such good times growing up and at Kerr Lake.
Lynne Helmold Ruark
A Neighbor
April 24, 2012
To the family of Michael,
May your family draw comfort from Isaiah 61:1,2 in which God promises to comfort all those in mourning.
Linda Lancaster
April 24, 2012
I will never forget how much fun my Mom had when she danced with Mike at Eric's wedding. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Lou H. Bame
April 24, 2012
What a super guy, Mike, was. I just remember that contagious smile of his and the way he could dance. He loved life to the fullest! My sincere sympathy to Winnie and the family.
Sara Moore
April 24, 2012
Winnie, sending love and thoughts to you and your family.
Don Kelly
April 24, 2012
Winnie & Family-My thoughts and prayers are with you-A rush of fond memories growing up together take hold-Mike was truly my brother-He'll be missed
Doug Peacock
April 24, 2012
I first recall meeting Mike when we started footbal practice August, 1964, as sophomores at Broughton HS. We had been intense rivals in midle school(Martin vs Danials) but all that was put aside to attain a common goal. Mike was no small part of Broughton winning the 4A championship our senior year, 1966. And he made that journey a JOY. I'm sure many others have similar experiences on other activities and projects that Mike was a part of. He will be greatly missed. All who got to know Mike have been blessed.
April 24, 2012
" I had the pleasure of serving with Mike on the NC Theatre Board for several years. I enjoyed our association and his candid approach helped to create the success the Theatre enjoys today. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him"
Don Fraley (Raleigh)
Taylor Cranor
April 24, 2012
Winnie,
My condolences to you and your family on the loss of Mike. I remember him as being a top quality person with a warm smile.
Carroll
April 24, 2012
Winnie, and all the family, my heart is so heavy and sad. How special Mike was. The fun we had at your house with all the family get togethers!! We will talk soon. I love you
David Moore
April 24, 2012
Mike was a great friend and a delight to be around. Sara and I enjoyed great times with Mike and Winnie at PHCC events. We will always be grateful to Mike for all the work he did for our industry, mostly in the work for finding, preparing and empowering young people to join our industry. His reach and contributions will be sorely missed. My very best to Winnie and all the family.
debbie parrish
April 24, 2012
Winnie,
Thinking of you and your family with prayers at this time and hoping you will find comfort in the
many special memories of Mike.
Debbie Johnson Parrish
Ron Ryf
April 24, 2012
We are so sorry to hear of Mike passing. We have
such fond memories of the wonderful Christmas
gatherings when we lived in Raleigh. Always a
wave and a smile when he would pass our house.
-Ron Ryf and Lee Bastin formally at 3434 Churchill Rd....Raleigh
April 24, 2012
Mike was a "first pick" playground partner at Frances Lacy Elementary, a trombone compliment to my trumpet at Martin Jr. High, an under sized but tenacious defensive end at Broughton High but first and always a friend who offered a helping hand and infectious smile. Mike brought energy, humor, creativity and get-it-done attitude to everything I ever saw him involved with. He leaves a wonderful legacy of family, friends and accomplishment that will live on and make the world a better place to be.
Dave Gardner (Asheville, NC)
Sammy Greenway
April 24, 2012
As a fraternity brother of mine and a friend through the years, Mike was one of the most positive people I have ever known. He could always be found building things and his home and garden reflected this admirable energy. I especially enjoyed watching him " light up " each time he spoke of the 67 State Championship football team. That pride through accomplishment was a common thread throughout his life. Rest in peace brother and may there be peace for your family.
David Stallings
April 24, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Edie Ridgeway
April 24, 2012
Winnie,
I was so shocked to hear about Mike. He is the last person I ever thought would be sick. I remember riding ponies together at Kerr Lake and what a great athlete he was. I am so saddened by his loss and send you and your family my deepest sympathy and love.
Edie Ridgeway
Bill Hawkins
April 24, 2012
Mike was a great guy and I will miss him.
Janice&Lewis McKenzie
April 24, 2012
When we built our house on Dellwood in 1977 across from Winnie and Mike, Mike was the first one to greet us and give us suggestions on designing our yard. He and Winnie through the years did much to encourage "neighborliness" first through driving a Bolton big truck for our annual hayrides. He drank so much of my "special" eggnogg, he had to get a new driver that year! Such warm memories and we shall always think fondly of you, dear friend.
Charlotte and Steve Harris
April 24, 2012
Mike was the greatest person, always making his many, many friends feel so welcome and special. Thanks be to God that Winnie and their children were blessed to have such a loving dad. We pray for God's protection and peace for them.
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