Richard Lee Bolen

Richard Lee Bolen, 77, of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away on April 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 9, 1948, in Odd, West Virginia, Richard was the proud son of the late Elmer and Hazel Bolen.

Richard was the unwavering patriarch of the Bolen family, his heart strong as a lion and his hands calloused from a lifetime of hard work. He rose from humble beginnings and built a life marked by perseverance, dedication, and deep love for those around him. In 1974, alongside the love of his life, Frances, Richard founded Bolen HVAC, a family business that would go on to support not only his own family, but the families of many others as well. Through every challenge, Richard remained the strongest person in the room—providing, protecting, and leading with quiet pride and purpose.

As a young man, Richard had a deep love for the outdoors and a competitive spirit. He was a proud member of the Yadkin Beagle Club and earned 70 trophies for his field trial beagles—a passion he pursued with discipline and pride. He also made a lasting impact in the community as the coach of the YMCA Girls' Softball team, leading his teams to championships every year he coached.

He cherished time on his beloved farm in Westfield, where he found peace in nature and joy in hunting deer and turkey. Richard’s love for the outdoors extended to annual surf fishing trips in the Outer Banks and peaceful days fishing in Cades Cove during family visits to their Tennessee home. These weren’t just pastimes, they were sacred traditions that brought his family closer and created a lifetime of memories. One of his greatest joys was working on the farm with his beloved son-in-law, Jason, who he loved like his own.

Richard’s heart belonged entirely to his family. He adored his wife Frances, his daughters Kristy (Darrin) and Melissa (Jason), and took immense pride in being "Papa" to his grandchildren Brooke (Jacob) Bridges and Tanner Bovender, and great-grandchildren Rhett and Tatum Bridges. His presence is a pillar in all of their lives.

He is preceded in death by his sisters Nora Jean Merritt, Betty Levoy, Delores Keaton, Geraldine Smith, Ruby Reynolds, Gail Smith, Joan Armstrong, and Judy Creech, and brothers Harold and Jimmy Bolen. He is survived by his devoted wife Frances, his daughters and their families, his brother Ray Bolen, and his special brother-in-law Ray Thomas Jr. and family.

The world has lost a great son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and leader. But his legacy—one of strength, sacrifice, and unconditional love—will live on in every life he touched.

There will be a Funeral Service held at 1:00 pm, Monday May 5th, at Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm prior to services.