Bill Bolton

Bill Bolton passed away in peace at home on September 28, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. 

Known to most as Bill Bolton, he was born in Chicago as William Richardson Stone Bolton III on October 18th, 1937. Bill made his mark on the world through a long, productive life driven by hard work. Known for his boundless generosity to family, friends, and neighbors, his ascent to Heaven left a hole in the hearts of those who remain.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; his daughters Diana (Mark LaValley), Kimberly, and Rebecca (Monty Blackburn); his grandchildren, Harrison (Megan), Isabella, and Olivia; and his unborn great-grandchild, Sloan. 

He is also survived by his brother Alfred and sisters Bonnie, Carole, Nancy, and Susie. Bill was preceded in death by his mother Harriet, father Warren, brother Warren Junior, brother Norvin, and sister Marlene. 

After working at Lombard Lumber in Lombard, Illinois, as a young man, he put himself through college while working for meals at a fraternity before mastering the arts of business as a successful salesman. Born with an indomitable spirit, he raced the streets of the Windy City and fished the wild Northern waters of Michigan and Canada. 

Bill was a longtime resident of Berrien Springs, where he built a life with his family while tirelessly serving the community. Bill served as President of the Optimist Club of Berrien Springs from 1985 to 1986. In his noble work with the Optimist Club, Bill became friends with the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, who drove his boat on Lake Chapin. Bill also persuaded Muhammad Ali to join the Optimist Club, enriching his life by introducing him to a new way to contribute to the community he loved in a meaningful way. Both champions in their own right, Bill was the man who could do everything.

Not only could he do everything, but he could teach others how to do the same. He is a legend, and he lives on through his wisdom and generosity; Bill taught people everything they needed to succeed in life and enjoy it. He taught his friends and family how to waterski, fish, and enjoy life in the country. He also imbued people with the practical yet invaluable knowledge of how to install drywall, fix a garage door, cut a tree down, the art of fire making, installing piping, electrical, and so much more. He also gave people the knowledge of plants and trees, showing them how to make them, like people, to bloom and thrive. These are the lessons we must turn to now as his magic is unending. 

The man who could do everything was concerned that if his wife, Susan passed first, he would be utterly hopeless in operating the washing and drying machines. :)

Allred Funeral Home of Berrien Springs, MI, is handling arrangements for the family. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 17th, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The funeral service will be held from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. All services will be held at The Chapel in St. Joseph, Michigan, on 4250 Washington Avenue. 

Donations in honor of Bill Bolton can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tunnels to Towers, and The Chapel.

ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105

Tunnels to Towers

2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306

The Chapel

4250 Washington Ave, Saint Joseph, MI 49085