George Lee Bolden

Rev. George Lee Bolden Sr. was born to Thomas Washington Bolden and Mattie Harris Bolden on October 21, 1928. He departed this life peacefully on July 6, 2016. He is preceded in death by his devoted wife of 44 years, Gracie, his daughter, Joyce Glass, and nine sisters and two brothers. He is survived by two devoted daughters, Cheryl Harris (Frank), of Mobile, and Yasmin Bolden, of Semmes; four sons, George Jr. (Jeanette), of Mobile; Bennie (Rose), of College Park, Georgia; Michael, of Miami Beach, Florida; and Timothy, of Washington, D.C.; two stepsons, Wayne and Willie Edwards, of Mobile; one sister, Willie Virginia Gwinn, of Chunchula; dozens of grandchildren, four dedicated who assisted with his care until his passing: Melva Glass, Courtney Edwards, Derrienne Reed, and Kynnedi Coker. He is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, and many devoted friends. Rev. Bolden was an associate minister at Truevine Missionary Baptist Church in Mobile, where he served after retiring from International Paper Co. after 37 years. He was a faithful member of the International Paper Quarter Century Society and a lifelong member of the United Paperworkers International Local Union 337. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army. In subsequent years he was an active member of the American Legion. He was called to the ministry in 1958, while a member at New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Prichard, Alabama, a relationship that would last until his death. Rev. Bolden was a fervent gardener for much of his life, growing acres of collard greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash and other produce he happily shared with family and friends. He didn’t just grow food; he was also a skilled cook, whose specialties included barbecue ribs, roasted venison and sweet potato pie. During Rev. Bolden’s retirement, he also became a renowned woodcutter, dispatching problematic trees with the capability and skill of a much younger man, and supplying anyone who was interested with free firewood. During his life, his accomplishments and milestones were recognized by everyone from the Governor of Alabama to President Barack Obama. Rev. Bolden was also a lifelong member of the Democratic Party. However, he received accolades from both sides of the political aisle. Until the end, he demonstrated an independent streak and zest for life that was an inspiration to friends and family. Services will be July 9, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. from Truevine Missionary Baptist Church located at 1850 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Mobile, Alabama. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. with interment in the family cemetery adjoining Starlight Full Gospel Church in Chunchula. Christian Benevolent Funeral Home, of Mobile, is in charge of arrangements.