Willie Bolden II

On April 20, 1970, God blessed Nathaniel and Joyce "Judy" Charles Bolden with a beautiful baby boy in New Orleans, Louisiana. They lovingly named him Willie Bolden II in honor of his grandfather.

At an early age, Willie confessed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized by Rev. Isaiah Holmes at St. Luke Baptist Church in Bayou Dularge, Houma, Louisiana.

Willie grew up in Bayou Dularge and attended Dularge Elementary School and Dularge Middle School. He later attended Houma Junior High School and graduated with honors from Terrebonne High School in 1988. Notably, he achieved the highest academic average among all African American male graduates in Terrebonne Parish. Continuing his pursuit of excellence in education, Willie attended Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering in 1993.

Willie began his engineering career in 1993 as an Engineer-in-Training with the Mississippi Department of Transportation in the Project Office in McComb, Mississippi. During this time, he gained valuable experience in construction and survey operations. In January 2001, he became a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Mississippi. Later that same year, he relocated to Texas, where he also obtained licensure as a Professional Engineer.

Throughout his distinguished career, Willie served as a Construction Engineer in several offices, including the Central Dallas Project Office, Central Dallas Area Office, West Dallas Area Office, and Dallas County Area Office. He contributed to numerous major transportation projects that benefited communities across the region. At the time of his passing, Willie served as Assistant Area engineer in the Paris District, where he led a team responsible for inspection and materials testing on construction projects in Hunt and Rains County. He delivered IH-30, FM 2642, the Quinlan Bypass, and a multitude of other projects. Willie enjoyed sharing his construction knowledge and expertise with inspectors and young engineers.

On July 21, 2001, Willie married the love of his life and soulmate, Jennifer L. Buckley. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, love, and service. Willie and Jennifer made their home in Rockwall, Texas, where they were actively involved in their church and community.

Willie was a proud and dedicated member of the Southern University Alumni Federation and the Dallas Chapter of the Southern University Alumni Association, in which he served as past Scholarship Chairman. With great delight, he faithfully mentored students for many years. He was also a member of the Terrebonne, Assumption, and Lafourche Chapter Alumni Association in Houma, Louisiana, SU Tru Blue, and the SU 1880 Club.

To cherish his love, beautiful memories, and lasting legacy, Willie leaves: his devoted wife of nearly twenty-five years, Jennifer B. Bolden; his loving mother, Joyce "Judy" Bolden; his father and stepmother, Nathaniel and Verna Bolden; his brothers, Jarick (Christina) Pink and Jarlin Pink, and adopted brother, Kenya Bolden; his sisters, Kendra Bolden, Jamicia P. Fisher (Charlie), and Wilisha Pink; his father-in-law, Ben Buckley; his mother-in-law, Melba S. Buckley; his brother-in-law, John Buckley; his sisters-in-law, Jeannine M. Williams and Janice B. Baptiste (Rodney); his beloved goddaughter, Eris Stove; his uncle, Leroy Charles; his aunts, Frances Westley (who was also his beloved godmother), Margaret W. Fields, Bernadine Charles, and Terri Charles; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, colleagues, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Benjamin and Sadie Charles, and his paternal grandparents, Willie and Rosie S. Bolden.

Willie will be missed immensely, but his infectious smile will live on in the hearts and memories of all who knew and loved him. "His life was a blessing, his memory a treasure. He is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure."

" I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness… "

- 2 Timothy 4:7–8