James "Bill" Bolton

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of James William “Bill” Bolton Sr. announces his passing on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, with family by his side. Mr. Bolton was 91 years old and lived an extraordinary life. Bill was born on February 17, 1932, in Danville, VA, to the late Howard Washington Bolton Sr. and Della Mae Dickerson. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Elease C. Bolton, two brothers, Ernest Franklin Bolton and Howard Washington “Stony” Bolton Jr., and one sister, Mildred Inez Bolton Henderson.

Bill is survived by a son, James “Jimmy” W. Bolton Jr. (Becky), daughters Cindy B. Sartelle (Everett), Susan Bolton (Lynn Hewett), Shelia E. Doss, and Renae Doss. He has six grandchildren : William C. Sartelle (Mariessa), Dr. James William Bolton III (Dr. Joanne Bolton), Rachel H. Cervantes (Jose), Sandra S. Pinard (Mike), Jordan O. Waller, and Jasmine E. Waller. Further, he is survived by seven great-grandchildren: Claudette J. Cervantes, James W. Bolton IV, John B. Bolton, Riley Pinard, Roger E. Sartelle, Molly Mae Pinard, and Gabrielle R. Cervantes. In addition, he is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their children. During his remembrance ceremony, nephew George Henderson will be officiating. His niece, Brenda Bowman, will be the vocalist.

Alongside his family, he is remembered by his Simpson Realty Company family, his bridge friends, and his golfing partners. Bill graduated from George Washington High School in 1951. During his time at GW he was a renowned basketball player, going on to break his own record, then later having his jersey number 3 retired. After his high school career, he was awarded a full basketball scholarship to Virginia Tech. He then came home to manage the Esso station. He later was a baseball coach for the Babe Ruth League and Connie Mack League, going on to lead several teams to regional championship games. Alongside coaching which he loved, he also worked at Rich Petroleum Sales in Danville, VA. In 1974 he went on to purchase Simpson Realty Co. from Moir and Nita Simpson. He went on to become one of the most successful realtors and businessmen in Danville, VA. He owned Simpson Realty Co. for 49 years and has now passed it on to his son, Jimmy Bolton. In 2000, Mr. Bolton was awarded Realtor of the Year.

Aside from his work as a real estate broker, he was a part of numerous clubs including being a Legacy Member of Tuscarora Country Club and a member of Danville Duplicate Bridge Club. He was also a Gold Life Master Bridge Player.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to one of the following charities in which Bill was involved: the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, American Heart Association, and Mount Hermon Fire Department.

Mr. Bolton was known by many names such as Dad, Papa, Bill, and Mr. Bolton, but aside from all his names he was the same amazing man who everyone knew and loved. Bill will truly be missed. The accomplishments in his life were truly amazing and his legacy will forever continue through his family and community. There are no words to truly sum up Bill’s life, but he was a one-of-a-kind man. He touched everyone’s hearts whom he met, whether it was through selling a house or simply smiling at people while going through the Wendy’s drive-thru on his breaks at work. We all know heaven gained the most amazing angel it has ever known, and he is now dancing the jitterbug with Elease and is reunited with the love of his life.

The funeral arrangements will be Sunday, June 11, 2023 at Townes funeral home, visitation will be from 12:30 til 2:00 and funeral service will begin at 2:00 with graveside rights following funeral service. The family will receive friends at the residence at other times.

Please sign the online guestbook on the Memory Wall at www.townesfuneralhome.com The Bolton family has entrusted arrangements to Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main St., Danville, VA, 434-793-1211.