George Bolton
d. October 31, 2016
George Bolton
George C. Bolton, Jr., a child of God, the Great Depression and proud member of the "Greatest Generation", died peacefully on October 31, 2016. Born September 17, 1920, he spent his earliest years at the Grand Canyon, Arizona with his family where his father was an employee with the National Park Service. At the age of seven, George and his family moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas when his father was appointed as the National Park's Assistant Superintendent.
Our father graduated from Hot Springs High School Class of 1938. He later attended the University of Arkansas and graduated from Henderson State College (University) in the Spring of 1943. Immediately upon graduation, Dad was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant. After serving in the service's 17th Airborne (Parachute/Glider) Division, he was reassigned to the Army's 91st Infantry Division where he served with great distinction in WWII combat in Italy from late 1944 through May 1945. During his service he was awarded numerous decorations, including the Bronze Star for valor under fire. Military service to his country continued for the next 31 years, including command of an Arkansas Air National Guard (ANG) squadron in Hot Springs and later in staff positions with the ANG's headquarters command. He retired a full colonel at which time he was awarded The Meritorious Service Medal.
Upon his return to Hot Springs at war's end, George was reunited with his beloved wife, Corine, whom he had married in July 1944. In 1947, he entered one of the first training programs with the New York based investment firm, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Beane (aka Merrill Lynch). During his 40 years of service in the firm's Hot Springs and Little Rock offices, he not only served as a trusted financial advisor, but 12 years as Administrative Manager for the firm's Little Rock operations. He retired as Vice President in 1987.
Throughout his life, George believed in service. He was actively involved in many community organizations. In his youth he earned the highest Boy Scout rank of Eagle Scout. Later, he served as a Boy Scout leader, was a member of both the Kiwanis and Lion's Clubs, as well as church deacon and elder. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason.
George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rena Bolton, and his wife of 55 years, Corine. He is survived by two sisters, Mary Ostermeyer and Katherine Winfree, both of Johnson City, Tennessee; brother, John William Bolton (Miriam) of Huntsville, Alabama; two children, Mary Catherine Terrell of Hillsboro, Oregon and George C. (Clay) Bolton III (Gloria) of Little Rock; four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, five nephews, two nieces and numerous great-grandchildren.
A celebration of George's life will be held on Wednesday, November 9 at 2:00 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). A private family committal service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Foodbank, 4301 W. 65th St., Little Rock, AR 72209, The American Heart Association, 909 W. 2nd St., Little Rock, AR 72201 or to The American Cancer Society, 901 N. University, Little Rock, AR 72207.
The family would like to thank the medical staff and others at both St. Vincent Infirmary and Colonel Glenn Rehabilitation Center for all the hard work, caring and support you showed our father during his stays. Your professionalism and love will not be forgotten!
At the end of his life, our father's thoughts were of his God, family and country. He always tried to live his life in the spirit of our family's surname which reads "VI et Virtue" - "Virtue Through Strength and Valor". Doubtless, amongst his parting thoughts were words found in 2 Timothy 4:7 which reads, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. George's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
8801 Knoedl Ct
Little Rock, AR, 72205
Our father graduated from Hot Springs High School Class of 1938. He later attended the University of Arkansas and graduated from Henderson State College (University) in the Spring of 1943. Immediately upon graduation, Dad was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a Second Lieutenant. After serving in the service's 17th Airborne (Parachute/Glider) Division, he was reassigned to the Army's 91st Infantry Division where he served with great distinction in WWII combat in Italy from late 1944 through May 1945. During his service he was awarded numerous decorations, including the Bronze Star for valor under fire. Military service to his country continued for the next 31 years, including command of an Arkansas Air National Guard (ANG) squadron in Hot Springs and later in staff positions with the ANG's headquarters command. He retired a full colonel at which time he was awarded The Meritorious Service Medal.
Upon his return to Hot Springs at war's end, George was reunited with his beloved wife, Corine, whom he had married in July 1944. In 1947, he entered one of the first training programs with the New York based investment firm, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner and Beane (aka Merrill Lynch). During his 40 years of service in the firm's Hot Springs and Little Rock offices, he not only served as a trusted financial advisor, but 12 years as Administrative Manager for the firm's Little Rock operations. He retired as Vice President in 1987.
Throughout his life, George believed in service. He was actively involved in many community organizations. In his youth he earned the highest Boy Scout rank of Eagle Scout. Later, he served as a Boy Scout leader, was a member of both the Kiwanis and Lion's Clubs, as well as church deacon and elder. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason.
George was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rena Bolton, and his wife of 55 years, Corine. He is survived by two sisters, Mary Ostermeyer and Katherine Winfree, both of Johnson City, Tennessee; brother, John William Bolton (Miriam) of Huntsville, Alabama; two children, Mary Catherine Terrell of Hillsboro, Oregon and George C. (Clay) Bolton III (Gloria) of Little Rock; four grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, five nephews, two nieces and numerous great-grandchildren.
A celebration of George's life will be held on Wednesday, November 9 at 2:00 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). A private family committal service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Foodbank, 4301 W. 65th St., Little Rock, AR 72209, The American Heart Association, 909 W. 2nd St., Little Rock, AR 72201 or to The American Cancer Society, 901 N. University, Little Rock, AR 72207.
The family would like to thank the medical staff and others at both St. Vincent Infirmary and Colonel Glenn Rehabilitation Center for all the hard work, caring and support you showed our father during his stays. Your professionalism and love will not be forgotten!
At the end of his life, our father's thoughts were of his God, family and country. He always tried to live his life in the spirit of our family's surname which reads "VI et Virtue" - "Virtue Through Strength and Valor". Doubtless, amongst his parting thoughts were words found in 2 Timothy 4:7 which reads, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. George's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
Service
NOV 9. 2:00 PM (CST)
Little Rock Funeral Home8801 Knoedl Ct
Little Rock, AR, 72205
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