John R. Bolen Jr.

John R. Bolen, Jr. August 30, 1930 - December 6, 2008 VALDOSTA, GA— John R. Bolen, Jr., 78, of Valdosta died Saturday, December 6, 2008 at his home after a short illness. Born August 30, 1930 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late John R. Bolen, Sr. and Minnie Leigh Dubose Bolen, he was a life-time resident of Valdosta. After graduating from Valdosta High and Marion Military Academy, he enlisted in the US Army in 1950. A veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars (with two combat tours in Vietnam), he was the recipient of the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge and two Bronze Stars. He retired from the United States Army as a First Sergeant with 21 years active service. Among his distinguished roles, he served as the sergeant-major of the first Chinook Helicopter Company of the Army's First Calvary Division. He was also employed with U. S. Postal Service for twenty years. Mr. Bolen was a member of the First Baptist Church, where he was active in the Scrap Iron Sunday School Class. He enjoyed leadership roles through the Royal Ambassadors and youth Sunday School. He also contributed extensive leadership to Boy Scout Troop 403, where he served as a committee member for more than 23 years. He was also a member of the American Legion. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Wilma Jean Bolen of Valdosta; two daughters, Susan Lynne Bolen and her husband, Michael Henry of Gainesville, GA and Anne Bolen Eanes of Valdosta; two sons, Gary Andrew Bolen and his wife, Linda N. Bolen of Columbus, GA and Edward Roland Bolen and his wife, Susan Bolen of Athens, GA; 11 grandchildren, Kathryn White, Elizabeth Rawlings and her husband, Brad, Drew Bolen, Sharon Eanes, Jonathan Bolen, Amanda Eanes, Mark Joseph Eanes, Phalan Henry, John Edward Bolen, Lillian Henry and Zoe Bolen; three great grandchildren, Taylor White, Mikael White and Ethan White; two sisters, Virginia Pendleton Bennett and her husband, Harold Bennett of Valdosta and Joan Holman of Moultrie; and one brother, Dr. James L. Bolen and his wife, Phyllis of Winter Park, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, John R., Sr. and Minnie Leigh Bolen. Funeral services will be held 11 am, Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at the First Baptist Church of Valdosta, with Dr. Phil West officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6-8 pm at the funeral home. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to The Salvation Army, 317 Virginia Avenue, Valdosta, GA 31601. Carson McLane Funeral Home