Joe William Bolton Jr.

Joe Bolton

1937 - 2019

Joseph William Bolton Jr., age 82, passed away on September 28, 2019. He was born in Wichita Falls, TX on July 17, 1937 to Joseph William Bolton Sr. and Frances Alberta “Pete” Stearns Bolton.

Joe was a loyal man, with an unshakable character defined by the things he treasured on this Earth. He believed in the Lord, hard work and his family. Faith was a constant in his life; devotedly studying his Bible, the Scriptures found a welcome home in his heart. His exceptional athleticism in his youth, not only allowed him to excel in many sports, but after graduating High School, led to a scholarship at Stephen F. Austin University to play basketball. As a fan and personal pastime, he would possess a lifelong passion for sports: talking about sports and stats to his family and friends; cheering on the Astros, Rockets and Cowboys, as well as his children and grandchildren involved in athletics; and playing golf with his son Joey and watching it whenever he could. On February 8, 1963, he married the love of his life, Billie, and she would be at his side for the next 56 years. Joe served his country faithfully in the Coast Guard, being discharged after a time in the Reserve. As they began to build a life and family together, Joe and Billie were blessed with three children. His pride and joy was his family, and he always devotedly put their needs before his. You would have difficulty finding a man who cherished his family more than Joe. Spending 31 years as a neighborhood Allstate agent, Joe was very successful and won many trips, though he would never go more than driving distance away from his children. As he and Billie became grandparents, “Poppa” fostered every part of their lives. From their academics and musical talents to their athletics and even military service, he made every one of them feel special and cherished their activities and lives. Joe spent countless hours on his 3-acre property in Beaumont, creating a “park” for his family and grandchildren to enjoy. Devout, witty, and loving, the story of Joe Bolton is told in the good name and legacy that he leaves on this Earth.

Left to honor his memory is his loving wife of 56 years, Billie Johnson Bolton; son, Joseph William Bolton, III of Beaumont, TX; daughters, Wendy Ellis of Beaumont, TX and Kelly Hardy and husband, Brett, of Sour Lake, TX; sister, Judy Breaux and husband, Moody, of Orange, TX; sister-in-law, Pat Roark; grandchildren, Jessica Fletcher and husband, Holden, Taylor Ellis and fiancé, Kyllie Chang, Jamie Ellis, Tyler Bolton, Brandon Bolton and wife, Lindsay, Cody Ellis, Dustin Hardy, Sarah Ellis, Laura Bolton, Shane Hardy, Kassi Hardy and Kamryn Hardy; great-grandchildren, Ronan Fletcher, Raiden Fletcher, Radley Fletcher and Lydia Fletcher; nieces, Brenda Simmons, Julie LeDoux, Tammy Webber, Janet Pineda, Terri Brock, Bobbie Ratto, Jodie Anders and Jennifer Lawrence; and a host of extended family, friends and loved ones.

Preceding Joe in death are his parents; father and mother-in-law, Rev. Bill and Nora Johnson; sister, Peggy Heathman; and niece, Beth Block.

Visitation with family and friends will be from 11:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 3, 2019 at Lumberton Family Funeral Home, 766 S. Main St, Lumberton, TX 77657. Joe’s life honoring service will begin at 1:00 p.m., also at the funeral home, officiated by the family that he loved so much, and burial will follow at Hillcrest Memory Gardens, Orange, TX.

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