Bolen, Gerald Eugene

Gerald (Jerry) Eugene Bolen, 87, of Pulaski, peacefully departed his wonderful life on Saturday, July 21, 2012, at the Bedford County Nursing Home. Born on August 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, the late Lewis Gilbert Bolen Jr., the late John Thomas Bolen, and the late 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 Polytechnical 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 the 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 the Bedford County Nursing home and Bedford Hospice Care.

The family will receive visitors at the Family Life Center of the First United Methodist Church in Pulaski, from 10 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 25, 2012. A funeral service will be conducted immediately following visitation at 11 a.m., with interment to be held in Oakwood Cemetery.

Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Pulaski.

In lieu of flowers, for those wishing to make a memorial contribution, please consider the American Cancer Society , 2840 Electric Rd., Suite 106A, Roanoke, VA 24018.